When Your Child has a Criminal Case

For many parents, the days of simply receiving a call to pick up your child after mischievous behavior are long gone. Parents find out last when their kids get in legal trouble in Las Vegas.

When police charge your child with a crime in Nevada, they’ll either give them a citation or arrest them. Police will then take them to the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center. The juvenile justice system handles young offenders. But serious crimes can get your child tried as an adult in regular court.

When your child has criminal charges, Juvenile Attorney Michael A. Troiano can help. His law office offers important support to protect your child’s future. They can also assist with sealing your child’s juvenile record when needed.

Understanding Nevada’s Juvenile Justice System

Nevada’s juvenile justice system operates primarily under Chapter 62 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). This legal framework establishes specific procedures for handling cases involving minors who have committed offenses. 

The juvenile justice system focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment, unlike the adult criminal system. However, serious consequences can still happen.

The Juvenile Court Process

When police cite or arrest a young person in Clark County, they follow certain steps. These steps are part of the juvenile justice system.

• Initial detention at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center
• Appearance before a juvenile court judge for a detention hearing
• Potential release to parents or continued detention based on the severity of charges
• Hearings to determine if the juvenile committed the alleged offense
• Disposition hearings to determine appropriate consequences if found responsible

Parents should be aware of Nevada law. It states that the juvenile court must inform them about the proceedings. This happens after the first detention hearing. This notice includes important information about upcoming court dates and legal rights.

Common Juvenile Criminal Offenses in Nevada

Young people in Las Vegas may face charges for various offenses, including:

• Curfew violations (under 18 years of age)
• Underage drinking or substance possession
• Shoplifting and other theft crimes
• Vandalism or property damage
• Fighting or assault
• Trespassing
• Driving without a license
• Juvenile DUI offenses
• Drug Possession

Even seemingly minor infractions can have serious consequences for a young person’s future, including their education and employment opportunities.

Potential Consequences for Juvenile Offenders

The juvenile court has wide discretion in determining appropriate consequences for young offenders in the criminal justice system. Potential outcomes may include:

• Probation with specific requirements and restrictions
• Community service obligations
• Mandatory counseling or treatment programs
• Restitution payments to victims
• Placement in a juvenile detention facility
• Commitment to the Nevada Youth Training Center
• In severe cases, certification to adult court

The seriousness of the consequences usually depends on a few factors. These include the offense’s seriousness, the juvenile’s past record, and their personal situation.

The Importance of Specialized Juvenile Defense Lawyers

Having an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney is crucial when your child faces charges. A knowledgeable juvenile law attorney will:

• Protect your child’s legal rights throughout the process
• Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternatives to detention
• Present mitigating factors to the court
• Develop a strong defense strategy based on the specific circumstances
• Guide your family through the complex juvenile justice system and criminal laws
• Work toward the best possible outcome for your child’s future

Juvenile Attorney Michael A. Troiano and his law firm know the special parts of juvenile law. They offer caring and effective help for young clients and their families.

When Juveniles Face Adult Charges

In certain serious cases, juveniles may be certified to stand trial as adults under NRS 62B.390. This process typically applies to:

• Juveniles aged 16 or older charged with certain violent felonies
• Cases involving weapons, serious bodily harm, or sexual assault
• Situations where the juvenile has a significant prior record

The certification process includes hearings. In these hearings, the court examines the type of crime. It also considers the juvenile’s maturity. Finally, the court looks at the juvenile’s chances for rehabilitation in the juvenile system.

Having skilled legal help is very important when moving to adult court. The possible penalties can be much harsher.

Sealing Juvenile Records in Nevada

Many parents don’t realize that juvenile records in Nevada are not automatically sealed when a child turns 18. These records can impact future education, employment, housing, and military service opportunities.

The process for sealing juvenile records includes:

• Determining if they are able to based on the offense and time passed
• Filing a petition with the juvenile court
• Attending a hearing where the court considers the petition
• Receiving a court order sealing all records if approved

Juvenile Attorney Troiano can help families with this important process. He ensures that young mistakes do not create lasting barriers to success.

Relevant Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) for Juvenile Cases

NRS Chapter 62: Juvenile Justice

NRS Chapter 62 establishes Nevada’s juvenile justice framework, including court procedures, rights of juveniles, and potential dispositions. These laws control how juvenile cases work from arrest to final decision and beyond.

Potential Penalties Under NRS Chapter 62:

• Probation terms lasting up to 3 years
• Commitment to a juvenile detention facility for unknown periods
• Fines and restitution requirements
• Mandatory educational or treatment programs
• Community service obligations
• Loss of driving privileges
• In serious cases, certification to adult court with adult penalties

Possible Defenses Against Juvenile Charges:

• Lack of intent or knowledge
• Self-defense or defense of others
• Mistaken identity or false accusation
• Illegal search and seizure violations
• Coerced confessions
• Diminished capacity due to age or development
• Entrapment by law enforcement
• Alibi evidence

NRS 62H: Juvenile Records

NRS 62H governs the confidentiality, maintenance, and sealing of juvenile records. This section provides the legal framework for protecting juvenile privacy while allowing appropriate access to records by authorized agencies and Juvenile attorneys.

Potential Consequences of Unsealed Records:

• Difficulty obtaining employment
• Challenges in college admissions
• Housing application rejections
• Unable to obtain certain professional licenses
• Military service restrictions
• Potential use in future criminal proceedings

Requirements for Record Sealing:

• Completion of all court-ordered requirements
• Payment of any ordered restitution
• No pending charges or new offenses
• Waiting periods based on offense severity
• Demonstration of rehabilitation

Finding a Juvenile Attorney Near You

When your child has legal issues in Las Vegas or Clark County, finding a good juvenile defense lawyer should be your first step. Juvenile Attorney Michael A. Troiano offers:

• Specialized knowledge of Nevada juvenile law
• Experience navigating the Clark County juvenile court system
• Compassionate representation for young clients
• Strategic defense approaches tailored to juvenile cases
• Assistance with record sealing and future protection

Protecting Your Child’s Future

A juvenile arrest or citation doesn’t have to define your child’s future. With a proper juvenile law attorney, many young people can overcome these challenges and move forward successfully. Juvenile Attorney Troiano works diligently to:

• Minimize immediate consequences
• Explore alternatives to detention
• Address underlying issues through appropriate programs
• Protect future opportunities through record sealing when eligible
• Guide families through the entire juvenile justice process

The Importance of Early Intervention

The earlier you involve a juvenile law attorney in your child’s case, the better the potential outcomes. Early legal representation allows for:

• Protection of your child’s rights during questioning
• Strategic preparation before initial court appearances
• Exploration of diversion programs and alternatives
• Development of comprehensive defense strategies
• Guidance for families navigating an unfamiliar system

Conclusion

If your child has been cited or arrested in Las Vegas, don’t wait to seek legal help. The juvenile justice system moves quickly, and decisions made early in the process can significantly impact the outcome. Juvenile Attorney Michael A. Troiano provides the specialized juvenile criminal defense representation your family needs during this challenging time.

Contact an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney today to protect your child’s rights and future opportunities. With proper legal guidance, your child can overcome this challenge and move forward toward a successful future.