If your child is accused of a crime, it is important to work with an attorney who is experienced with the rules and procedures for juvenile cases. According to the North Carolina Juvenile Code, any person under the age 18 is considered a juvenile; however a person is only considered a delinquent juvenile until the age 16.
Any person between the age of 6 and 16 who commits a criminal act in the state of North Carolina will be classified as a delinquent juvenile and will be tried in juvenile court. Because the rules differ from criminal cases that involve adults, it is important to hire an attorney with experience in these specific cases. Criminal defense attorney Curtis High is dedicated to helping juvenile delinquents and their parents get through the legal process as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Please contact our office for skilled and dedicated legal representation. Mr. High has extensive experience handling cases involving juvenile offenders and has an in-depth knowledge of the North Carolina juvenile system.
Juvenile Justice System
The juvenile justice system differs from the adult criminal justice system. For instance, young people are not arrested, but are instead taken into custody for a temporary period of time. Instead of a trial, young people may have a hearing before a judge. The judge will base his or her decision on the best interests of the child as well as the state. In criminal cases involving juvenile delinquents, the main goal is to issue a sentence that will help the child so he or she won't end up back in the criminal system later.
It is important to note that any juvenile can be tried as an adult if he or she falls into the following categories:
- Age 16 or 17
- Married
- Emancipated
- In the armed forces
Undisciplined Juvenile
In North Carolina, a youth between the ages of 6 and 18 is considered an undisciplined juvenile if he or she is consistently getting into trouble and is regularly found in places deemed unlawful for juveniles. A youth might also be considered an undisciplined juvenile if he or she runs away from home for longer than 24 hours. Any person between the ages of 6 and 15 who unlawfully misses school might also be considered an undisciplined juvenile.
Defending Juvenile Delinquents
Mr. High represents young people that are facing juvenile charges such as:
- Breaking and entering
- Theft
- Robbery
- Assault and other violent crimes
- Underage drinking
- Driving without a license
- Violation of curfew
- Possession, sale or delivery of a controlled substance
Juveniles between the ages of 13 and 15 who are charged with a felony can be tried in Superior Court as an adult. Consequences for felonies can result in severe consequences and prison time. Mr. High recognizes the possibility of prison time and fights aggressively to ensure his young clients' cases are heard in District Court.
Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Curtis High
If your child is facing criminal charges in North Carolina you will need an experienced defense attorney to help you achieve the best outcome for your child's future. To schedule a consultation with an experienced and dedicated juvenile defense attorney, contact Mr. High today.