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juvenile offenders can be charged in adult court

Consequences of Juvenile Crimes in Wisconsin

Written by Mark Eisenberg on . Posted in Blog, Criminal Defense.

Criminal Attorneys experienced with juvenile crimes can help your child avoid severe consequences

In Wisconsin, juvenile crimes are prosecuted differently from adult crimes. The law creates a different path for punishment and opportunities to overcome their crimes. Still, the consequences of juvenile convictions can be severe. Counsel experienced in representing children accused of criminal behavior is critical to helping your child move forward.

Juvenile Delinquency

Wisconsin children under the age of 17 who commit crimes are charged differently from adults. Instead of regular criminal charges, they face juvenile delinquency charges, which usually does not entail the same level of punishment as an adult committing the same act. In addition, the child might be able to have his or her record expunged before adulthood. Still, juvenile convictions do carry consequences.

A child’s parents may have to pay significant fines as punishment, or the child may have to go to a juvenile detention facility. Further, juvenile convictions for drug offenses in Wisconsin can prevent your child from being able to access federal student aid for college.

Deferred Prosecution Agreements

Depending on the circumstances, a first-time offender may be eligible for a consent decree or deferred prosecution agreement. Instead of being charged with a crime, the child is placed on supervision. At the end of the supervision period, the child’s case is dismissed and closed without a criminal conviction.

Even if the child is not a first-time offender, Wisconsin’s legal system allows for other options to help protect him or her. Having the record expunged after punishment for the crime can help give a child a chance for a better future. Any time criminal charges are filed, even for a juvenile, you need to secure experienced legal counsel to help protect your rights.

If your child has been arrested and charged with a crime, you should not assume the juvenile system means they will not be affected by a conviction. Contact Eisenberg Law Offices to help protect the rights of your minor children.