Garwood Juvenile Crime Lawyer

New Jersey Juvenile Crime Attorney Represents Minors in Garwood, NJ

The Borough of Garwood is located in the heart of Union County, New Jersey. Garwood provides a wide array of programs, facilities, and events to its young residents. Hartman Park is located on the north side of town on the 400 block of Second Avenue. The park has picnic tables, a playground, and a large basket ball court. Georgiana Memorial Park located on the north side of town at the corner of Walnut Street and Fourth Avenue is a tribute to the late Mayor Georgiana Gurrieri. Unami Park located on the south side of town off of Hickory Avenue and has baseball and soccer fields, bike trails and picnic tables. Garwood Little League Park is located on the south side of town at the end of Myrtle Avenue. This park is the official little league field of Garwood. There are picnic tables, gazebo and a playground. Despite a strong commitment to the children of Garwood, it is sometimes necessary for the Garwood Police Department to investigate juvenile crimes and file formal charges against those involved.

Fight Juvenile Crime Charges in Garwood, New Jersey

The law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC handles juvenile delinquency matters in Garwood and throughout New Jersey. Our criminal defense attorneys possess the knowledge, skill and experience to handle any juvenile criminal matter. Gary Grabas and Robert C. Rowbotham, II are former Prosecutors. Casey Woodruff is a former Union County Prosecutor. Jon M. Bramnick is a New Jersey “Super Lawyer” with over 30 years of trial experience. Our collective backgrounds and experience allow us to defend juveniles and fight to achieve the best possible outcome on their behalf.

All Juvenile cases in New Jersey begin, and usually remain, in family court. In certain situations involving young offenders over the age of 14, the prosecutor may move to waive the case to the adult criminal division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. Otherwise, the case will be handled in the family court. The goal of the family court is to focus on rehabilitation reducing recidivism rather than punishment which is the goal of the adult system.

In New Jersey, a juvenile is charged with an act of delinquency, not a crime. The Code of Juvenile Justice (N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-23) defines delinquency to include the commission of an act by an individual under age 18 which if committed by an adult would constitute a crime; a disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense; or the violation of any other penal statute, ordinance or regulation, excluding motor vehicle, curfew, and smoking in public.

Juvenile Crime Charges in Garwood, New Jersey

Some of the most common juvenile acts of delinquency are set forth below:

• Criminal mischief (vandalism, graffiti, etc.)
• Underage drinking ( DWI and DUI)
• Marijuana possession
• CDS possession and distribution
• Assault
• Theft and/or shoplifting
• Robbery
• Possession of a weapon
• Sex crimes (sexual assault, rape, touching, etc.)

Once a child has been charged with an act of delinquency, the case usually progresses in the following manner:

Detention Proceedings in Garwood, NJ

Once a child has been formally charged with an act of delinquency, the issue of detention must be addresses. At this stage it is very important to have the assistance of a juvenile criminal defense lawyer. The Court may release the child to the custody of his/her parents or guardians, or it may require continued detention based upon the seriousness of the offense and a host of other factors

Garwood Juvenile Case Disposition

Once the issue of detention has been resolved, the next step is to attempt to resolve the charges by way of a trial or guilty plea to a plea bargain. Once a child has pleaded guilty or been found guilty at trial, there are several sentencing possibilities that may arise.

Sentencing of Juvenile Offenders in Garwood, NJ

A child may be sentenced to probation for a period of time. A child may also be sentenced to incarceration. Another favorable result is to have a case transferred to a local juvenile conference committee. (JCC) Here, a juvenile goes before a committee comprised of local citizens who have the authority to handle the matter and recommend disciplinary action and / or corrective behavior.

Should your child or teenager be charged with an offense arising out of Garwood, New Jersey, it is important to speak to a juvenile criminal defense lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in the field on New Jersey juvenile criminal law. There are many differences in the procedures used to prosecute adults and juveniles. One important issue that does not vary is your child’s right to remain silent. If they are charged with a juvenile offense, always speak with a New Jersey juvenile criminal defense lawyer before allowing your child to answer any questions or speak with the authorities.

Free Consultations Available – Garwood Juvenile Crimes Attorney
(908) 322-7000

If your child has been charged with an act of delinquency in Garwood, New Jersey, our criminal defense attorneys may be able to possibly assist you. You can contact us 24 hours a day to speak with one of the firm’s criminal defense lawyers. The initial consultation is free.