Killen Juvenile Delinquency Lawyer

Being arrested as a juvenile can have long-lasting consequences on your entire life. It is important that you do whatever you can to protect yourself if you are accused of a delinquent act or your child is. Your first and most important step should be contacting a trusted Killen juvenile delinquency lawyer for help.

The legal team at The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC understands how difficult it can be to handle a juvenile delinquency case on your own, especially if you are the parent or guardian of the juvenile. Because delinquency cases are prosecuted under much of the same statutory framework as adult criminal charges, working with a dedicated Killen criminal defense lawyer can help ensure every procedural safeguard is properly applied on the juvenile’s behalf.

Alabama’s juvenile delinquency laws can be fairly strict. It is advised to have the assistance of a Killen juvenile delinquency attorney throughout the legal process. Brad Phillips has substantial experience as both a defense lawyer and a police officer. He knows how to help you through this difficult time.

Juvenile Delinquency in Killen

If you or your child is charged with juvenile delinquency in Killen, your case is handled by the Juvenile Court of Lauderdale County. This court can be found at the Lauderdale County Courthouse at 200 South Court Street in Florence.

Youth arrests in Alabama are taken very seriously. In 2020, there were 75 youth arrests for aggravated assault alone in Alabama. There was a 20.6% increase in juvenile arrests in the state between 2021 and 2023. Reports show that there were 678 children living in correctional facilities in 2021.

Long-Term Consequences of a Juvenile Adjudication

While a juvenile adjudication is technically not a criminal conviction in Alabama, it can still result in significant consequences that juveniles can carry into adulthood. Depending on the severity of the offense, the alleged offender could be sentenced to probation, mandatory counseling, or confinement in a juvenile correction facility. If the charge is particularly severe, they could even be tried in adult court. Some long-term consequences of a juvenile record can include:

• Employment. Standard employers generally cannot access juvenile records in Alabama under Ala. Code § 12-15-133. However, certain employers can access them, such as government agencies, law enforcement, or jobs that require high security clearance.
• Professional licenses. Careers like nursing, teaching, and private security companies may require you to become professionally certified before you can be considered. Licensing boards typically evaluate candidates on moral character and fitness. Failing to disclose a juvenile adjudication can lead to a denial.
• Military service. If an individual has aspirations of joining a branch of the military, a past juvenile adjudication may hinder them. Enlistment branches generally maintain a very strict code of moral character. Individuals with a record may be barred from consideration unless they can get a moral waiver.
• Educational barriers. When applying to colleges, part of the application often involves a background check and a disclosure of prior legal problems. This typically includes adult convictions. Some competitive educational programs or private institutions may inquire about juvenile offenses. Failing to disclose a juvenile record in these circumstances could lead to denied enrollment, missed scholarships, financial aid revocation, or even expulsion.

A Juvenile Delinquency Attorney Can Help

It is stressful to consider these consequences for a young person with the rest of their life ahead of them. Brad Phillips is dedicated to finding resolutions that can mitigate any negative consequences of a juvenile accused of delinquent acts in Killen. He understands all that is at stake and is here to help families resolve their juvenile case by providing a positive path forward that allows them to pursue their future goals.

FAQs

Under What Age Are Acts Considered Juvenile Delinquency in Alabama?

Criminal acts are considered acts of juvenile delinquency if they are committed by someone who is a minor under 18 years old in Alabama. However, for serious crimes like violent felonies, juveniles who are at least 14 years old can have their case transferred to adult court if the prosecutors file such a motion. Individuals 16 years or older will be tried as adults for Class A felonies, crimes with a weapon, drug trafficking, or capital offenses.

What Are the Four Criminological Types of Juvenile Delinquency?

Criminologists divide juvenile delinquency into four types, including:

• Individual delinquency. A single youth acting alone.
• Group-supported delinquency. Youths engaging in unlawful acts as a group, usually brought on by peer pressure or a desire to fit in.
• Organized delinquency. Youths engaging in organized, systematic criminal activity, such as being in a gang.
• Situational delinquency. Youth actions that are driven by weak impulse control and specific immediate circumstances, but not part of an ongoing pattern.

What Are the Most Common Crimes in Juvenile Delinquency in Alabama?

In Alabama, the most common juvenile delinquency crimes usually involve property offenses, simple assault, and substance violations. Juvenile crimes are common throughout the country, including Alabama. Larceny and petty theft rank among the most frequent charges, as well as vandalism, underage drinking, and disorderly conduct. If you or your child is facing juvenile delinquency charges of any kind, you should hire a juvenile delinquency lawyer for help.

Should I Hire a Juvenile Delinquency Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire a juvenile delinquency lawyer. With the help of an attorney, you have a much stronger chance of avoiding harsh consequences. Your attorney can pursue paths to resolve your child’s case that involve counseling, community service, or education, and have less impact on your future than other punishments. It is advised to have a dedicated attorney early on in the process for optimal outcomes.

Reach Out to a Juvenile Delinquency Lawyer You Can Trust Today

If you or your child has been accused of a juvenile delinquent act, it is understandable to feel confused and scared. It is important to know what your rights are and what your options are. At The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, we can help you build a strong case, investigate the evidence, and protect your interests. Our legal team is available to help your family when you need it most. Contact us to speak with a team member about your circumstances or those of your child.

Killen, AL Related Juvenile Delinquency Resources:

• What to Do If You Are Arrested in Alabama
• Alabama Drug Laws and Penalties
• Domestic Violence Laws in Alabama
• How to Defend Against Sex Crime Charges in Alabama

Killen, AL Juvenile Delinquency Legal Resources

• Alabama Department of Youth Services – juvenile custody, rehabilitation, and diversion programs
• Town of Killen Police Department – reports, records requests, and community services
• Alabama Rules of Juvenile Procedure – official rules governing juvenile court proceedings
• Alabama Code § 12-15-101 – Purpose of the Alabama Juvenile Justice Act