Guidance When
Your Freedom
Is At Stake

Coalter Law, PLLC A Look At Juvenile Crimes In North Carolina

When we’re young, we make mistakes. It’s how we learn to become better adults. But when these mistakes lead to criminal charges, a young person is forced to grow up faster than planned. They must now face a very adult situation – one they might not be prepared to face on their own.

By obtaining the services of a qualified criminal defense attorney, such as Scott Coalter at Coalter Law, PLLC​, parents can make sure their child learns from their mistakes but is not constantly haunted by them for the rest of their life. Acting quickly is the key, though, if a parent wants to ensure the best protection of their child’s rights.

Facing The Juvenile Justice System

The Juvenile System in North Carolina has recently become a more important part of the Justice System. North Carolina is no longer the only state in the country that automatically prosecutes juveniles as adults beginning at age 16. As a result, most juveniles who are 16 and 17-years-old will be prosecuted in juvenile court beginning on December 1, 2019. A “juvenile delinquent” is now defined to include 16 and 17-year-olds who commit a traffic offense or who have been previously convicted of any offense in District or Superior Court will still be prosecuted as an adult. Felony offenses committed by 16 and 17-year-olds will now originate in Juvenile Court but may be bound over to Superior Court for trial as an adult. Now more than ever, a juvenile defendant needs an experienced attorney to protect their rights.

Juveniles who are 15-years-old or younger will continue to be prosecuted in the Juvenile System. Their issues and concerns may be different than older kids, but they still need an experienced hand to guide them so they don’t fall through the cracks.

Protecting Your Child’s Rights Throughout The Process

It’s very important for North Carolina parents to know that while the juvenile justice system does work differently than the adult criminal justice system, juveniles who are accused of committing a crime do still have their constitutional rights. This means they have a right to legal counsel immediately following their arrest and all the way through trial proceedings.

By obtaining the services of a qualified defense lawyer you put the law on your child’s side immediately, providing protection from leading police questions, procedural missteps and aggressive prosecution.

Contact Our Greensboro Law Firm For Assistance

From juvenile crimes to adult criminal offenses, the team at Coalter Law, PLLC, knows how to protect an individual’s rights and see to it that they get the fair trial afforded to them by the law. See how we can help you by calling our Greensboro office at 336-646-7977 or  contact us by email. We handle cases in Guilford County and the surrounding areas.