A false accusation, mistake, or youthful bad decision shouldn’t brand a child for life. Our juvenile crimes lawyers are here to help you and your child find a way forward.
Choose a legal team that understands the juvenile justice system.
If your child faces charges, the lawyer you pick to defend them is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for their future.
The juvenile crimes lawyers at the McConnell Law Firm combine courtroom skills with knowledge of the juvenile justice system. For example, we can educate you and your child on rehabilitation or diversion programs that may be available, preventing the need to go to trial. But if trial is the most appropriate option, we won’t hesitate to fight for your child’s rights.
As with our adult clients, we care about the whole person. We don’t want your child to need a defense lawyer ever again — as a juvenile or adult. Outside the courtroom, we can help get to the root of the situation so your child can move on to a happy and productive future.
We defend against juvenile delinquency charges (crimes), including:
- Theft
- DUI
- Property crimes
- Sex crimes
- Assault
- Drug crimes
- Violent crimes
- Vandalism
- Shoplifting
- Trespassing
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What to Expect
Request A ConsultationFree Introductory Phone Call
One of our legal assistants or receptionists will gather information about your child’s case. This typically takes about 30 minutes.
If their case is within the type of law we handle, we can schedule a free consultation with one of our juvenile crimes lawyers. If not, we will do our best to refer you to a law firm that can help.
Information-Gathering
We will likely ask you for additional information during or after the first phone call. It will be your task to gather this information, which will help us when it comes time to research the situation and specific laws that may apply to your child’s case.
Free Consultation
You will consult with a juvenile crimes lawyer for about an hour. We will discuss beforehand whether your child should be present at this first meeting.
The attorney will share their analysis of your child’s situation and recommend next steps. They will also let you know about anything further we might need to get started on your child’s case.
This consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. There must be a signed agreement.
We Get to Work
If you decide to hire us, we will enter into a signed contract. You will make your payment for our services.
Once these steps are complete, we can officially serve as your child’s legal team. We will keep you informed about the case’s status every step of the way.
Juvenile Crimes FAQ
Here are answers to some of the questions our juvenile crime attorneys hear most often.
This is general information only. If you have questions about a specific case, consult an experienced juvenile defense lawyer. You deserve the answers you need to make the best possible decision for your child and family.
Request a Free ConsultationYour child’s future is too important not to give them every possible chance. While your heart may be in the right place, you’ll be at a disadvantage if you try to navigate a complicated system alone.
A juvenile crimes lawyer can guide you throughout the process. They’ll ensure you and your child understand all the options, so you can make the best decisions for their present and future.
The Division of Juvenile Services within the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) oversees juvenile offenders in Kansas. Juvenile Services partners with local and state organizations to provide community-based services, such as prevention and intervention programs.
Young people aged 10 through 17 can be adjudicated as juvenile offenders. For some very serious crimes, a juvenile may be tried as an adult.
Serious offenses such as murder, manslaughter, rape, aggravated assault, and certain drug-related crimes may be considered for adult prosecution.
This article in our newsroom goes into more detail on this topic.
A “delinquent act” or “juvenile delinquency” are terms used for a crime committed by a juvenile.
The juvenile justice system is intended to rehabilitate rather than punish — though it is far from perfect. Even for adjudications that result in probation or community service, there are ripple effects that can negatively impact your child’s present and future.
Some potential consequences include:
- School suspension or expulsion (especially for crimes occurring at school or on the school bus)
- Loss of scholarship opportunities
- Harm to reputation or relationships
- Probation
- Difficulty getting a job, being accepted into college, or joining the military
- Challenges in obtaining some professional licenses
- Detention in a juvenile correctional facility (JCF)
- Harsher sentences for later adult convictions
- For some sex crimes, registration on a public or private offender list for a specified amount of time (life for juveniles over 14 convicted of a sexually violent crime)
An Immediate Intervention Program (IIP) is a voluntary supervision program intended to keep young people out of the juvenile court system. The plan is typically no longer than six months and may include classes, mental health support, and/or a substance abuse program.
An IIP differs from diversion in that it happens earlier in the process. In Sedgwick County, youth who meet established criteria are referred to the program after an alleged qualifying offense has occurred but before formal prosecution. If the youth complies with the plan, the matter is closed without further prosecution.
Your child may qualify for an IIP if they are charged only with certain misdemeanors and have no prior adjudications. Contacting a juvenile crimes lawyer early on can help you get the best idea of possible options.
Diversion is a program for first-time juvenile offenders of low-level crimes. There are three options presented at a juvenile’s first court appearance:
- Diversion program (if qualified)
- Trial before a judge (bench trial) or jury
- Guilty or “no contest” plea
If your child requests and is granted diversion, they will need to meet the supervision and education requirements of the program for a specified amount of time. If they do, the case is dismissed without a finding of guilt.
Not necessarily, though it’s a possibility. The juvenile justice reform laws implemented over the past decades favor intervention programs, diversion, probation, community-based sanctions and services over detention for non-violent juvenile offenders.
Detention is more likely in the case of violent crimes.
Children don’t have the same grasp on long-term consequences as adults. They might not realize that something they post on social media or text to a friend could affect their entire future.
If your child is facing an accusation or charges, you must help them help themselves. Be vigilant about their social media activity.
This will be a scary time for your child. Make sure they have the support they need, such as a counselor or therapist. A law firm specializing in juvenile crime defense may be able to recommend resources.
Request a Free Consultation
Call (316) 243-5903 or send us a message now. Our team is ready to help.