Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Muskegon Heights

Juvenile procedure differs from adult court: proceedings are civil not criminal, trials are before judges not juries, hearings are generally closed to public, rehabilitation is emphasized over punishment, terminology differs (petition not complaint, adjudication not conviction, disposition not sentence), and records can be sealed. Juvenile defenses include the same constitutional protections as adults: right to counsel, right against self-incrimination, proof beyond reasonable doubt, right to confront witnesses. We ensure juveniles' rights are protected. Diversion programs allow cases to be resolved without adjudication. Juveniles complete programs and charges are dismissed. We seek diversion when appropriate. Consent calendar cases involve admitting responsibility with immediate sentencing. We advise clients about consent calendar options. Dispositional options include: dismissal, probation, community service, restitution, counseling or treatment, placement in foster care or residential programs, detention in juvenile facilities. Waiver to adult court is possible for serious offenses. We fight waiver motions keeping cases in juvenile court where sentences are less harsh. Designated proceedings allow judges to impose adult sentences even in juvenile court for serious offenses. We defend designated cases aggressively. Juvenile sex offender registration may apply to certain offenses. We fight SORA registration for juveniles. Juvenile records can be set aside (expunged) after successful completion of sentence. We help young clients clear records. School discipline often accompanies juvenile charges. We coordinate with schools protecting educational rights. Many juvenile cases involve first-time offenders making mistakes. We help courts see the whole child and focus on rehabilitation. The Browning Law Firm protects young people's rights and futures in juvenile court.