Wilmington Juvenile Crime Lawyer
Wilmington Juvenile Crime Attorney
Everyone makes mistakes. Unfortunately, some of these missteps can have a long-term impact on your child’s future. If your child has been accused of committing a crime, you may benefit from hiring a Wilmington juvenile crime lawyer. Your defense lawyer can defend your child by representing their rights and advocating for their desired outcomes.
An Overview of Juvenile Crime in Wilmington, North Carolina
Before you try to find a Wilmington juvenile crime lawyer, you may benefit from learning more about the different kinds of crimes a juvenile can be charged with in North Carolina. These charges are categorized, and different charges result in different penalties.
According to North Carolina law, a juvenile is anyone under 17 who is unmarried and is neither emancipated nor in the military. In 2024, roughly 40,433 complaints were filed in North Carolina for about 15,485 juveniles. There were a greater number of complaints and a greater number of juveniles than in the previous year.
North Carolina ranks 16th overall for the least number of juvenile convictions, but this does not mean that the Tar Heel State goes easy on juvenile crime. Certain crimes can result in young adults being tried as adults, including serious felonies and certain motor vehicle crimes.
Being convicted of a crime can have an impact on a child’s permanent record and may influence their ability to acquire employment, housing, and future success in their lives.
Delinquent Juvenile Versus Undisciplined Juvenile
There are many different ways of categorizing juvenile crimes in North Carolina, but the two most important ones to understand include delinquent and undisciplined offenses.
Delinquent Offenses
Delinquent offenses usually fall into what most people think of as illegal activity, such as drug or property crimes. Here are some more specific examples of the different juvenile delinquent charges one can face:
- Alcohol and drug crimes. If a juvenile is found to be in possession of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, or any other controlled substance, they can be charged with a crime.
- Property crimes. Property crimes are one of the more common varieties of illegal activity that juveniles are charged with. These crimes include theft/larceny, vandalism, burglary, shoplifting, and other criminal acts resulting in damage to property.
- Violent crimes. Violent crimes are the second main type of crime. They are, unfortunately, one of the more common types of criminal categories for juveniles. This can include simple or aggravated assault, robbery, and even homicide.
- Weapon crimes. Juveniles can be charged with a weapon crime if a weapon is found in their possession. If the offense is serious enough, it can result in the juvenile being tried in adult court.
- Additional charges. Gang-related crimes, possessing stolen property, resisting arrest, and committing fraud are all additional examples of juvenile delinquent crimes.
Undisciplined Offenses
Simply put, undisciplined offenses encompass any act that is illegal for minors but not adults. This includes the following:
- Running away. It is illegal for a juvenile to run away from home. You can be charged with a crime should it be discovered that you are a runaway and have been gone for 24 hours or longer.
- Skipping school. When a child skips school unlawfully, it is considered an act of truancy. This is illegal for juveniles.
- Ungovernability. Ungovernability covers any undisciplined juvenile offense where the juvenile regularly disobeys. This also applies to finding them in locations where it is unlawful for those under a specific age to enter.
- Violating curfew. North Carolina statutes S. 153A-142 and G.S. 160A-198 made it legal for counties to appoint juvenile curfews. If someone under 18 is found to have broken this curfew, they can be charged with an undisciplined offense.
Why Should I Hire a Juvenile Crime Lawyer in Wilmington, North Carolina?
When you hire a juvenile crime lawyer, you unlock a whole host of tools that could make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. You and your child could end up spending time at the New Hanover County Juvenile Court, where your lawyer can present their defense and do everything in their power to protect your child from a conviction.
FAQs
Q: How Expensive Is It to Hire a Juvenile Crime Lawyer in North Carolina?
A: How expensive it is to hire a juvenile crime lawyer in North Carolina tends to vary by case in the state of North Carolina. Your circumstances may be influenced by different variables. These factors include the amount of time your case requires to resolve, who you hire to represent you, the severity of your charges, and the complexity of your case.
Q: What’s the Difference Between a Criminal Lawyer and a Criminal Defense Lawyer in North Carolina?
A: The difference between a criminal lawyer and a criminal defense lawyer in North Carolina is important. Criminal lawyers include anyone working in criminal court, including prosecutors. Criminal defense lawyers have the responsibility of representing those accused of committing a crime by defending them and their rights in a court of law.
Q: What Are the Two Main Categories for Juvenile Crimes in North Carolina?
A: The two main categories for juvenile crimes in North Carolina are undisciplined and delinquent offenses. Undisciplined offenses include any activity that, while legal for adults, is illegal for minors, like truancy or running away. Delinquent charges cover the majority of crimes considered illegal, regardless of age, such as assault or larceny.
Q: Can a Juvenile Request a Lawyer After Being Charged With a Crime in North Carolina?
A: A juvenile can request a lawyer after being charged with a crime in North Carolina. Many young people are unaware of their rights, which can lead to them being taken advantage of. Having a lawyer advocating for your child can protect them from miscarriages of justice, as well as help them build up their defense.
Choose The Shotwell Law Group PLLC to Defend Your Child in a Juvenile Crime Case in North Carolina
The Shotwell Law Group PLLC believes in implementing the 3Ps for every case: preparation, planning, and persistence. With more than 30 years of combined trial experience, we understand the importance of building a strong defense, as well as the long-term impact a criminal conviction can have on your future.
Contact The Shotwell Law Group PLLC today to schedule a consultation.
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