Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Oklahoma

Providing Quality Legal Representation for Juveniles Facing Criminal Charges

If your son or daughter is facing juvenile criminal charges, you must hire an experienced attorney immediately to protect their rights and freedom.

Many parents make the critical mistake of believing juvenile cases are less serious than those prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system. However, contrary to popular belief, not every juvenile case ends with the child being ordered to perform community service.

Depending on the crime committed, some juveniles can be charged under the Youthful Offenders Act which can result in severe penalties.

Therefore, even if the juvenile crime that your loved one was arrested for was relatively minor, such as shoplifting, it is always best to hire an experienced criminal attorney to protect your child’s rights.

Parsons, Graham & Day, LLC of Tulsa, OK, has attorneys who have in-depth experience helping children who have become involved with juvenile court. Contact our law offices to schedule a free, confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help.

How Does the Juvenile Criminal Justice System Determine How to Charge Minors?

In Oklahoma, juveniles charged with crimes are charged under the same laws that apply to adults. However, there are certain exceptions for youth-related infractions, such as underage drinking and tobacco use, which are adjusted based on the age of offenders.

However, in most instances, Oklahoma law stipulates that any minor who commits a crime may be charged in one of three ways, which include:

Juvenile delinquent: A minor charged with less severe crimes such as petty theft, drug possession, or simple assault. Penalties may include incarceration in a juvenile detention facility, probation, community service, fines, and mandatory counseling.
Youthful offender: A minor between the ages of 15 and 17 who is charged with a felony crime such as armed robbery or discharging a weapon from a vehicle.
Adult: A minor as young as 13 may be charged as an adult for committing serious crimes such as homicide, robbery, or sexual assault.

Regardless of the criminal charges filed, you must hire a juvenile crime lawyer to evaluate the case and determine what legal options will best help your child and protect their rights.

How Does the Youthful Offender Act Affect How Juveniles are Sentenced in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma Youth Offender Act outlines sentencing options for minors aged 15 to 17 who commit violent crimes and are prosecuted as youthful offenders.

Some of the crimes committed by juveniles that qualify for the Youthful Offender Act include but are not limited to:

Second-degree murder
First-degree manslaughter
Armed robbery or attempted armed robbery
First-degree or attempted first-degree rape
First-degree or attempted first-degree arson
Shooting with intent to kill

If convicted, a youthful offender will usually be incarcerated in a juvenile facility. However, once they become an adult at age 18, they may be transferred to an adult correctional facility to serve out the remainder of their sentence.

Youthful offenders as young as 13 who are charged as adults who commit serious crimes such as first-degree murder may be sentenced as adults. If convicted, this group of offenders serve sentences in juvenile facilities until they turn 18 and are transferred to adult facilities.

However, it is important to remember that in some instances, law enforcement and prosecutors are overzealous in their desire to keep the public safe and overcharge juveniles. For this reason, it is always best to hire a juvenile criminal attorney who will review the case to ensure your child has not been overcharged.

Are All Juveniles Records Automatically Sealed Once They Become Legal Adults?

There is a common misconception that all juvenile records are sealed once the individual becomes a legal adult. Although in many cases of juvenile delinquency, criminal records for shoplifting or underage drinking are sealed, several types of offenses do not qualify, including:

The juvenile was charged as a youthful offender or adult.
The juvenile criminal case involved a violation of the Access to Tobacco Act.
The juvenile case involved a violation of motor vehicle or traffic laws.
A juvenile aged 14 or older has one delinquent adjudication followed by another delinquent charge.

Any type of criminal record can severely impact your child’s ability to attend the school of their choice, join the military, or even obtain student loans. Therefore, if your child has been previously convicted of a juvenile offense, contact our Tulsa law office to discuss your legal options.

Why Should I Trust Your Juvenile Defense Attorney to Defend Me Child Against Criminal Charges?

If your child has been accused of a juvenile offense, it is in your loved one’s best interest to hire a criminal defense attorney immediately. Sadly, many parents are not aware of how the label “juvenile offender” may negatively impact their child’s future.

Hiring a juvenile criminal lawyer can make all the difference in whether your child ends up with a reduced sentence or faces serious negative life-altering consequences.

Whether or not your child committed a relatively minor offense such as petty theft or a violent crime, they must have skilled legal representation just as an adult requires.

Our skilled juvenile defense lawyer will analyze all the aspects of the case, including:

Examine the case and evidence to ensure the offense was charged correctly.
Ensure your child’s legal rights have not been violated.
Negotiate with the prosecution to have the charge dismissed or reduced.
Act as your child’s legal advocate in all court proceedings.

Parsons, Graham & Day, LLC of Tulsa, OK, understands that as a parent, you only want what is best for your child. Contact our law office at 918-553-5771 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our highly trained criminal defense lawyer, who will gladly address your concerns and answer your legal questions.