Has your child been accused of a crime in Kingston, New York? Contact Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation at (845) 566-5345. Our Kingston juvenile crimes lawyers are here to fight for your child’s rights at every stage of the process, no matter what that might entail.
We’re one of the most well-respected criminal defense law firms in the Hudson Valley, having over 50 years of combined experience successfully helping clients respond to all kinds of charges. If you hire us to represent you and your child, we’ll do everything in our power to help you achieve those same results.
Why Should I Hire Larkin Ingrassia Andrews for My Child’s Juvenile Crimes Case in Kingston, NY?
The juvenile justice system in New York operates very differently from the adult criminal system. Parents and guardians who try to navigate it without experienced legal counsel risk making mistakes that can have serious consequences for their child’s case.
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews has spent decades defending individuals accused of crimes in and around the Kingston area. When it comes to juvenile cases, our Kingston criminal defense attorneys bring a combination of legal knowledge and sensitivity to the situation that families count on during an incredibly stressful time.
Here’s what sets our attorneys apart:
- More than half a century of combined criminal defense experience
- A thorough understanding of New York’s Family Court system and juvenile justice procedures
- Experience handling cases across the full range of juvenile charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies
- A willingness to take any case the distance if that’s what’s best for our clients
- Recognition by Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and other leading legal organizations
- Compassionate representation that treats your child as a person, not a case number
Reach out to our juvenile crimes attorneys in Kingston, NY, today for a free consultation. We’re ready to get to work defending your child as soon as you are.
How New York’s Juvenile Justice System Works
New York’s juvenile justice system has undergone significant changes in recent years. Most notably, this was done through the “Raise the Age” legislation that took full effect in October 2019. Under this law, the age of criminal responsibility was raised to 18, fundamentally reshaping how young people are charged and processed throughout the state.
Learning about the different classifications of defendants in these cases is important because each one determines where your child’s case is heard and what outcomes are possible. These are as follows:
Juvenile Delinquents
This category refers to children over the age of 12 but under 18 who commit an act that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult. All juvenile delinquency cases are heard in Family Court, where proceedings are confidential. Juvenile delinquents generally do not receive criminal records.
Juvenile Offenders
These are children who are 13, 14, or 15 years old and have been charged with committing a serious or violent felony. These cases are heard in the Youth Part of the Supreme or County Court. Convictions can result in more serious penalties than those imposed in Family Court, though the case may be transferred to that court under certain circumstances. At that point, the child is treated as a juvenile delinquent.
Adolescent Offenders
Adolescent offenders are 16- and 17-year-olds charged with felonies. Their cases also begin in the Youth Part, but there is a presumption that many of these cases will be transferred to Family Court. Once transferred, the young person is treated as a juvenile delinquent and has access to the associated rehabilitative services and protections.
Your child may also be eligible for Youthful Offender status in some cases, which is determined by the court at sentencing. This designation is available to individuals between 14 and 18 and allows them to have a chance at no criminal record even for felony offenses.
What Are Some Common Types of Juvenile Charges in Kingston, NY?
Young people can face a wide range of charges in the juvenile justice system. Some involve relatively minor offenses, while others carry the potential for serious consequences. Our juvenile crimes lawyers in Kingston are prepared to defend your child against any of the following types of charges:
- Theft and shoplifting
- Assault
- Drug possession
- Vandalism and criminal mischief
- Underage alcohol offenses
- Disorderly conduct
- Trespassing
- Weapons possession
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Sex offenses
- Gang-related charges
Regardless of the specific charge in question, every juvenile case deserves a vigorous defense. The goal is not just to resolve the immediate legal situation but to minimize the long-term impact on your child’s life. Contact our defense attorneys to discuss the charges your child is facing during a free consultation.
What Are the Possible Outcomes in a New York State Juvenile Crimes Case?
One of the most important things to know about juvenile cases in New York is that the system is designed to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. Family Court proceedings look very different from adult criminal trials, and the range of possible outcomes reflects that philosophy.
Some of the potential outcomes in a juvenile delinquency case in Family Court include:
- Adjustment: The Department of Probation diverts the case before it ever reaches Family Court. The child is sent home and monitored for up to 60 days. If they stay out of trouble, the case may be closed without any formal proceedings.
- Probation: The child remains in the community under supervision while meeting certain conditions set by the court, such as attending school and participating in counseling.
- Placement: The court determines that the child needs a more structured environment. Subsequently, it orders placement through the local department of social services or the New York State Office of Children and Family Services for a set period of time.
- Conditional discharge: The child is released subject to certain behavioral requirements without ongoing probation supervision.
In cases heard in the Youth Part, the stakes can be higher for the juvenile. Nonetheless, there still may be pathways to transfer the case to Family Court or obtain Youthful Offender status that prevents a criminal record.
What Defenses Are Available in a Kingston Juvenile Crimes Case?
Just like in the adult system, the prosecution bears the burden of proving that your child committed the alleged offense. In Family Court, this is done through a “fact-finding hearing,” which functions similarly to a trial but is decided by a judge rather than a jury. The prosecution must establish each element of the charges they are bringing, and there is often plenty of room for an experienced criminal defense attorney to form an effective response.
Some of the defenses that may apply to your child’s situation include:
- Lack of intent: Many juvenile charges require the prosecution to prove that the child acted with criminal intent. If the child didn’t understand the nature of what they were doing, for instance, this element may not be satisfied.
- Mistaken identity: In cases involving multiple young people, law enforcement may arrest the wrong individual. Alibi evidence can be used in favor of this defense.
- Self-defense: If your child was responding to a physical threat and acted reasonably to protect themselves, a self-defense argument may apply.
- Constitutional violations: Law enforcement must follow specific procedures when dealing with minors, including notifying parents promptly after an arrest. Important evidence might be thrown out if these rules weren’t followed.
- Insufficient evidence: Sometimes the prosecution simply doesn’t have enough to meet their burden of proof.
- Peer pressure: Young people are especially susceptible to influence from older individuals and peer groups. If your child was pressured into participating in criminal activity, this context could play a meaningful role in how the case is handled.
Ultimately, the best defense(s) will come down to the unique facts and circumstances in your child’s case. Our juvenile defense lawyers will work hard to determine the strategy that gives your child the best chance at a successful resolution. Don’t lose hope about what’s to come; it may still be possible to fight back appropriately to what your child is facing.
Contact Our Kingston Juvenile Crimes Attorneys to Schedule a Free Consultation
Watching your child go through the criminal justice system in Kingston, NY, is one of the most stressful experiences a parent can face. Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to shoulder that burden and fight for your child’s future to the best of our ability.
With more than 50 years of combined experience, our Kingston juvenile crimes attorneys know how to navigate New York’s juvenile justice system and advocate effectively for young clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation so that we can start building your child’s defense. The sooner we can get to work on your behalf, the better for your case.