Atlantic City Juvenile Defense Attorney Helps Minors Avoid a Juvenile Record

If your child has been accused of committing a juvenile criminal offense in New Jersey, it is imperative that you take immediate action to limit the damage that can be done to your loved one’s future. Right now, your child needs an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect their legal rights and make sure that they do not end up with a juvenile record.

Although the New Jersey juvenile justice system is intended to provide juvenile offenders with a chance for rehabilitation, NJ prosecutors often seek punishments that are wildly disproportionate to the actual offense. If this happens to your child, the result will be a record that may haunt them forever – hampering their ability to get into the college of their choice, obtain employment and more. Contact a skilled lawyer who will protect your child’s interests. John W. Tumelty is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has successfully represented numerous juvenile defendants charged with a wide range of juvenile offenses throughout South Jersey, including Cape May and Atlantic counties. Mr. Tumelty will vigorously represent your child and fight to keep their case out of adult court so they can avoid the most significant consequences.

What Are the Consequences of a Juvenile Offense Conviction in New Jersey?

By nature, kids take actions before thinking them all the way through. Sometimes, however, those actions can land them in a world of trouble. Some of the more common juvenile charges in New Jersey include:

• Juvenile shoplifting: Juvenile shoplifting offenders are subject to both criminal and civil consequences, including paying restitution to store owners and possible jail time for repeat offenses.
• Juvenile drug possession: If your child is convicted of juvenile drug possession, they may be sentenced to serve time in a juvenile detention center.
• Underage drinking and possession of alcohol: New Jersey has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking, meaning that offenders in possession of even a single beer are subject to heavy fines and license suspension.
• Possession of fake ID to purchase alcohol: Tampering with public records, such as a driver’s license, is a disorderly persons offense and can be punished by up to six months in county jail.
• Underage DWI: If a person under the age of 21 is caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above .01 percent, they face significant penalties, including license suspension, community service requirements, and mandatory attendance at alcohol education classes.
• Juvenile sex offenses: If your child is convicted of sexting, child pornography, or an Internet sex crime, they may be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.

The severity of the potential punishments in juvenile cases cannot be understated. In addition to the immediate consequences of a conviction, such as being sentenced to serve time in jail or a juvenile detention center, an offender will also be left with a juvenile record that can have lasting effects on their life.

The New Jersey juvenile court system is responsible for adjudicating the cases of minors who are accused of offenses that, for an adult, would be considered a crime. It is important to keep in mind that the process and procedures in juvenile court are different than those used in adult court. For example, there are no jury trials in juvenile court. Additionally, juvenile court judges usually have alternative sentencing options, such as probation, community service or deferred disposition. This means that a conviction does not always result in incarceration for your loved one. Read more Juvenile Crimes frequently asked questions.

However, depending upon the circumstances of the offense, a juvenile can be charged as an adult in superior or municipal court. When this happens, your child could be looking at jail time or prison time with hardened criminals. That’s why it is imperative that your loved one has a knowledgeable attorney who is prepared to fight to keep the case out of adult court.

Mr. Tumelty has over 35 years of experience defending people in Atlantic and Cape May counties and throughout NJ when they are facing criminal charges. He is the founding partner of the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty. He previously served as a state and assistant county prosecutor. Now he uses that valuable prosecutorial experience to represent individuals who have been charged with criminal and DWI offenses.

Allow an Experienced NJ Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer to Fight for Your Child and Ensure That They Do Not Receive a Juvenile Record

Do not take juvenile charges lightly. If your child has been charged with a juvenile offense in New Jersey, you need to take quick action to defend your child against overzealous prosecutors and disproportionate punishments. The charges don’t just “go away.” They may very well impact your child for a very long time to come.

John W. Tumelty knows what it takes to win in court. Although his top priority is always to get the charges against your son or daughter dismissed, he is also prepared to fight the charges in juvenile court because he has extensive experience representing juveniles throughout South Jersey. Call Mr. Tumelty today to discuss your child’s case, or fill out his convenient online contact form to request an in-person consultation at his Marmora or Somers Point offices. He will be happy to sit down with you and formulate the best possible strategy for helping your loved one avoid a juvenile conviction.