Kansas Juvenile Criminal Defense

Hiring a juvenile defense attorney is crucial when your child is facing criminal charges in Kansas. Juvenile court proceedings are different than adult court proceedings, and require a specific set of skills and knowledge to navigate. A juvenile law attorney will have the experience and expertise necessary to understand the unique complexities of the juvenile justice system and to provide the best possible representation for your child.

In Kansas, juveniles are more likely to be treated as adults than in many other states. This means that if your child is accused of a delinquent act, they may be facing serious charges and severe penalties, including fines, probation, and even incarceration. In some cases, a juvenile conviction can also result in a lifetime of consequences, including difficulty finding employment or housing, and a criminal record that can limit future opportunities.

An experienced juvenile defense attorney will work tirelessly to protect your child's rights and to achieve the best possible outcome for your child. This may include negotiating a plea bargain, challenging the evidence against your child, or even taking your child's case to trial.

Juvenile charges are serious in nature and require a dedicated and experienced attorney. If your child has been accused of a delinquent act in juvenile court, contact Vincent Rivera at Rivera Law. LLC. He and his team have the knowledge and experience necessary to provide the best possible defense for your child and to protect their rights and future.

In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1 (1967), a landmark decision was made by the U.S. Supreme Court that stated the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment would apply to juvenile defendants.

Additionally, Juvenile Defendants Have the Legal Right:

• to timely notification of delinquency charges.
• to confront witnesses.
• against self-incrimination.
• to have charges proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
• to an attorney.

The Ruling Also Gave the Right to Notice of the Charges. In re Gault Requires That:

• the juvenile be provided with notice of the charges they face.
• the juvenile be granted the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses through their attorney.
• a minor cannot be forced to testify against themselves. The minor has the right to invoke their 5th amendment right and not self-incriminate.
• even with these rights being recognized minors do not have the right constitutional right to seek bail. Most of the time juveniles will be released to a guardian or parent.

An adult can be prosecuted for a crime committed as a juvenile. If the crime is within the statute of limitations. For most crimes, this is 5 years. The adult will be charged in juvenile court because the crime was committed as a juvenile. However, the prosecution can seek to have the case moved to adult court.

In Kansas, the process of having a juvenile tried as an adult is called a "waiver hearing." This is an in-depth hearing, that can include testimony from police, psychiatrists, counselors and family members.

In Kansas, the Judge Will Decide Whether to Prosecute the Juvenile as an Adult Based On:

• the seriousness of the allegation.
• the offense was aggressive, violent or premeditated.
• whether force was used.
• the number of pending charges.
• the juvenile's criminal history.
• the maturity of the juvenile.
• availability of rehabilitation.
• the interests of the community.
• No individual factor is controlling, instead the Judge is required to consider all factors together.

As a teenager accused of a sex crime it can be a terrifying experience one that can carry serious consequences for a lifetime. For a parent, the accusations can be humiliating and disgraceful and can take a toll on your happiness for long periods of time.

The worst part is many times the juvenile lacking maturity and awareness does not even realize they committed a sexual offense.

When a Juvenile under the Age of 14 Is Adjudicated (Convicted) By the Court of a Sexually Violent Crime Are Required To:

• Register until 18 years of age, at the expiration of five years from the date of adjudication or, if confined, five years from release from confinement, whichever date occurs later.
• When a juvenile over the age of 14 is adjudicated (convicted) by the court of a sexually violent crime are required to register for life.
• In Kansas, a juvenile may be required to register either publicly or through "private registration." The difference is whether the public is able to see that a juvenile is a registered offender.

A juvenile knowingly in the possession of an illegal drug or prescription not belonging to him or without a legal reason can be charged with drug crimes by the court.

Many times, juveniles will be charged with drug possession after being pulled over by a police officer. The officer notices marijuana in the car and proceeds to search the vehicle or person and finds the juvenile in possession of illegal drugs. Juveniles are often charged with possession of an illegal drug such as marijuana, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs that do not belong to them.