When your child get arrested you may have a lot of questions and concerns. Many parents don’t understand how the justice system works when it comes to juvenile cases. The best thing to do if your child is arrested is to call an experienced juvenile defense attorney to help you. Attorney Gerard V Amedio can help.
What Are The States Of A Juvenile Case?
- Arrest And Release
This is the first step in the process and involves the juvenile being arrested for the crime and than being released on bail or for another reason. The child may also be sent to a detention center if he is unruly and cannot be released.
- Detention Hearing
The detention hearing determines if the child must be kept in detention or if he can be released after being held for 24 hours.
- Intake
This is the time between the arrest and arraignment when evidence will be considered and the state attorney will decide if he plans to press charges or if there is enough evidence to do so.
- Arraignment
This is the part of the process where the juvenile offender appears before a judge, is made aware of the charges and has a chance to enter a plea.
- Discovery
During discovery witnesses and evidence may be collected and presented and the prosecuting attorney must also provide the defense with any evidence they have found.
- Negotiations
Attorneys will negotiate terms and try to come to an agreement before the case goes to court. Pleas may also be changed during this time or at least discussed.
- Trial
The juvenile offender will go to court and both side will present their cases to the judge and jury.
- Verdict
The judge and jury will consider each side and make a decision on the case. He will also sentence the offender as he see fit.
If you are the parent of a juvenile who has been arrested and need to hire a juvenile defense attorney to defend your child, call Gerard V. Amedio . Your child deserves a good defense in all stages of the process and an experienced juvenile defense lawyer is waiting to help. Call (518) 583-4123 now.
