Kids are subject to the same laws as adults. When a juvenile gets in trouble in Maryland, he/she often has to go to Juvenile Court.
JUVENILE COURT PROCESS
After you child is arrested, his/her case gets forwarded to the Maryland Office of Juvenile Services (DJS). DJS meets with you and your child to determine if it is necessary to forward the case to the State's Attorney. DJS can opt to handle the case in house and give minor punishments such as community service and letters of apology.
When a case is forwarded to the State's Attorney, it often winds up going to court for trial. Juvenile court is conducted in the Circuit Court. A juvenile trial is conducted the same as an adult trial with the exception that a juvenile cannot be tried by a jury in juvenile court.
The maximum punishment for a juvenile offender in Maryland is incarceration in a juvenile facility until he/she turns 21 years of age. That punishment can be given for ANY offense the juvenile is convicted of, no matter how great or small!
Did you know that a child cannot be ordered to pay restitution? Therefore the court orders court costs to be paid by... YOU, the child's parent! It is now time to encourage your child to get that summer job.
Feel free to contact us NOW in order to set up an appointment with you and your child.
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