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Loudoun County Attorneys > Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney > Fairfax Juvenile Offenses Attorney

Fairfax Juvenile Offenses Attorney

Everyone makes mistakes in their lives, and young people are certainly no exception. Criminal offenses committed by juveniles in Fairfax, Virginia are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement, and it is essential for anyone facing a criminal offense as a juvenile to have an experienced Fairfax juvenile offenses attorney to help with the case.

Unlike criminal offenses involving adults, however, juveniles may have options for avoiding a period of incarceration or having a criminal record. Indeed, depending upon the juvenile’s history and the specific facts of the alleged offense, the juvenile may be eligible for certain diversionary programs and may be eligible to have a record expunged. It is extremely important to have a Fairfax criminal defense attorney who can fight the juvenile charges your child or guardian may be facing, and who can work with the court if necessary to have the charges reduced or have the juvenile accepted into a diversion program. Do not hesitate to get in touch with Simms Showers LLP to learn about our criminal defense services.

Common Juvenile Offenses in Fairfax, Virginia

Juvenile offenders can be accused of and charged with a variety of offenses under Virginia law, but common juvenile offenses may include, for example:

  • Larceny, or petit theft;
  • Underage possession of alcohol;
  • Traffic offenses, including reckless driving;
  • Drug offenses, including possession charges;
  • Assault and battery;
  • DUI & DWI charges; and
  • Other misdemeanor and felony offenses.

Diversion for Fairfax Juvenile Offenses

According to the Fairfax County Court system, the Code of Virginia emphasizes that “the goal of the juvenile court is to divert appropriate cases to alternative programs while maintaining public safety.” Most diversion programs are designed for juveniles who do not have a criminal history and who are facing misdemeanor charges. Generally speaking, a juvenile’s eligibility for diversion will depend upon the following factors:

  • Evidence that exists against the juvenile;
  • Whether the juvenile is accused of committing an eligible offense (typically a minor misdemeanor); and
  • Whether the juvenile is willing to accept responsibility for his or her actions.

If diversion is appropriate, the juvenile will typically attend a Diversion Hearing, and then may enter into a Monitored Diversion program or a Community Service program. If a juvenile completes the diversion program, she or he will avoid a criminal conviction.

Expungement of Juvenile Records in Fairfax, Virginia

Unlike offenses for which a person is convicted as an adult, Virginia law treats juvenile offenses very differently. Under Virginia law (Code of Va. § 16.1-306), most juvenile records must be expunged or purged when the juvenile reaches the age of 19, as long as 5 years have passed since the adjudication of delinquency. 

Contact a Fairfax Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney

If your child is facing criminal charges in Virginia, do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm to have an experienced Fairfax juvenile criminal defense attorney who can fight the charges your child is facing. Even in cases where the county or state has significant evidence against the juvenile, we know how to advocate for diversion and can help your child to avoid having a criminal record. Contact Simms Showers LLP to learn more about how we can assist with a juvenile criminal defense case.

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