Juvenile Defense: Protecting Their Future
There are a million reasons youths do illegal things. Peer pressure. Thrills. Bad influences. Family troubles. Mad at the world. Whatever the catalyst, they rarely consider the consequences of their actions. But as a parent, you can’t help but worry when your child is accused of a crime. Is this going to change them? Will it wreck their life?
The lawyers of Resolute Law Firm have extensive experience and training in defense of juveniles who are in trouble with the law. We work to ensure your son or daughter is treated fairly and not overly punished. We push for the help they need to get back on track, such as counseling or treatment for addiction. We believe in second chances — a person’s poor decisions as a teenager should not ruin their future.
Juvenile Offenses Have Serious Consequences
We have handled the full range of juvenile delinquency matters:
- Underage drinking and underage DWI
- Drug possession
- Assaults and fighting
- Shoplifting and theft
- Vandalism, trespassing and burglary
- Racing and reckless driving
- Sex offenses
- Violations of juvenile probation
Juvenile offenses can result in suspension from school and extracurricular activities. A criminal record can affect college enrollment, scholarships, financial aid and future employment opportunities. Our goal is to prevent those devastating consequences and preserve a wide open future for that young person.
When Juveniles Are Accused Of Bigger Crimes
If your teenager has been charged with a serious felony such as rape, robbery, or homicide, he or she may be tried as an adult and face adult penalties if convicted. Do not hesitate to call Resolute Law Firm right away for help if your child has been arrested. We will fight to keep your child in the juvenile system. If they are ultimately transferred to adult court, we are skilled criminal defense trial lawyers who will fight to spare them from the worst.
Focused Experience In South Dakota’s Juvenile Justice System
Attorney Angel Runnels concentrated on juvenile defense in her former role with the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s office. She has been an ardent activist on juvenile justice issues and has presented on juvenile law at the local, state and national levels. Your son or daughter could not be in better hands. We get many referrals from other attorneys who are familiar with our results in juvenile defense.
Please Reach Out To Us
We implore you to speak to an attorney before you consider speaking to law enforcement. It is our experience that speaking with law enforcement rarely benefits your child and often hurts their case. It is also our experience that the “tough love” approach can backfire. Juveniles need to face the consequences of their choices, but within a framework of strong legal advocacy and support services.
Our Sioux Falls lawyers practice in the juvenile courts of surrounding counties in southeast South Dakota. Call 605-679-6352 or email us.