If your child was arrested and accused of a crime in Las Vegas, it is important to retain the counsel of an experienced juvenile lawyer as soon as possible. Although juvenile offenses are typically charged less seriously than adult offenses, minors can face serious penalties if convicted, including detention in the Clark County Juvenile Hall. Our criminal defense attorneys at Saggese & Associates have represented hundreds of complex cases before the courts, and we can advocate for your child's rights and interests.
Common Juvenile Offenses
We can defend your child against all types of criminal charges and seek to have their charges reduced or dismissed. Some of the most common charges made against minors include:
- Drug possession
- Drug sales
- Marijuana crimes
- Shoplifting
- I.D. theft or false I.D.
- Hit and run
- Underage DUI
- Disorderly conduct
- Assault
Our experienced law firm has detailed understanding of Nevada's criminal procedures, and we can build a comprehensive defense for your child no matter what charges they face.
Keeping the Case in Juvenile Court
A common misconception is that minors are always tried in juvenile court, but in reality, minors can be tried in criminal court if their offenses are determined to be serious enough. The case of a defendant under 18 years of age will be initially handled by the juvenile court, but the state may decide to try to certify the minor for trial in the criminal court if they believe the alleged offense warrants it. In some cases, the certification is at the discretion of the judge, and in others certification is mandatory.
Discretionary Certification
The juvenile court judge may certify a minor for criminal court if:
- The minor was 14 years of age or older at the time that the alleged offense was committed.
- The offense would have been charged as a felony if it had been committed by an adult.
Mandatory Certification
The juvenile court judge is required to certify a minor for criminal court if:
- The minor was 16 or 17 years old at the time that the alleged offense was committed.
- The minor is charged with sexual assault/rape or a crime involving a firearm.
It is important to note that a child will always be tried as an adult if they are charged with murder.
There are exceptions to mandatory certification, and the court cannot transfer the minor's case to criminal court if there is clear and convincing evidence that:
- The minor is mentally or developmentally incompetent to understand the charges and situation.
- The minor has emotional, behavioral or substance abuse problems that may be treatable through juvenile court.
Was Your Child Charged with a Crime in Clark County?
If your child is facing criminal charges, do not waste any time in contacting our proven defense firm. We can build a comprehensive case that implores the judge to keep the case in the juvenile court and seek to have the charges reduced or dismissed. If the court will not dismiss the case, we can advocate for reduced penalties that will have less impact upon your child's future.
In the face of such serious potential penalties, it is imperative that you retain experienced, attentive and dedicated legal counsel for your child's case. Don't hesitate to contact us to learn how our outstanding defense team can assist with your child's case in Clark County. We understand that this is a frightening and confusing time for your family, but we can provide the aggressive defense and strong advocacy you need and deserve. Call 702-778-8883 today!
