What to do as Parents When Your Child Faces Juvenile Charges in Ohio

As parents, you do your best to instill in your children strong values and a clear sense of right and wrong. Despite your efforts and best intentions, they can still find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Juvenile charges in Ohio are a serious matter. The following details what you need to know in this situation and the steps you can take to protect yourself and them. 

Children Charged With Juvenile Crimes

Phone calls from the police informing you that your child has broken the law can come as a shock and may seem like one of the worst things that can happen as a parent. In this situation, it can help to know that this is not uncommon and does not typically reflect on your parenting abilities. 

Criminal activity can occur even among otherwise ‘good’ children from loving and supportive homes. Under the Ohio Code, anyone under the age of 18 is considered a juvenile and subject to the state’s Delinquent Child laws. Common types of offenses children are often charged with include: 

• Truancy;
• Loitering or disturbing the peace;
• Vandalism;
• Public intoxication and underage drinking;
• Drug possession;
• Theft crimes;
• Online crimes, such as hacking;
• Assault, which can occur at school or in the community;
• Sexual harassment and rape crimes. 

Any of the above charges can result in serious penalties for your child. There are two common ways in which these situations often play out: either the child is not guilty and it is a case of mistaken identity, or they did commit the crime, but there may be extenuating circumstances involved. 

What You Can do as a Parent

Crimes committed by children in Dayton, OH are handled through the Juvenile Delinquency Division of the Montgomery County Court. While your first response when a child is arrested or accused of a crime is likely to be one of anger, keeping your cool is a top priority. 

While you cannot keep children under your watchful eye at all times or prevent them from suffering the consequences of their actions, you can take steps to ensure their rights are protected: 

• Ask to speak to the police officers involved and the prosecuting attorney assigned to your case. 
• Inquire as to the details surrounding the situation and the charges filed. 
• Avoid making any statements that could incriminate your child or be used against them at a later date. 
• Discuss the options available with an experienced Dayton juvenile defense attorney right away. 

Contact Our Dayton Juvenile Defense Lawyers Today

At the Van Noy Firm, we provide the caring support and trusted legal representation parents need when children get in trouble with the law. Contact our Dayton juvenile defense lawyers today to request a consultation.