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Juvenile Delinquency Defense

Lehigh Valley Criminal Defense Attorneys

Juvenile Defense Attorneys in Easton Pennsylvania, Serving Lehigh & Northampton County

Our Juvenile Defense Attorneys Represent Defendants in Allentown, Bethlehem & Easton and throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley

Expert Juvenile Defense Attorneys in Lehigh and Northampton Counties

At Madsen Law Offices, our experienced juvenile defense attorneys have a proven track record of success in both Lehigh County Juvenile Court and Northampton County Juvenile Court. We also boast significant achievements in winning appeals on behalf of juveniles in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Understanding that juvenile cases require a unique approach, we are committed to providing specialized and thoughtful representation for our younger clients.

Understanding the Unique Aspects of Juvenile Defense

Juvenile charges often parallel criminal charges and are based on the same statutes. However, there are critical differences between the juvenile justice system and the adult criminal justice system. While the primary aim of the adult system is to punish, the juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation. This fundamental difference shapes the unique nature of juvenile defense.

The Juvenile Court Process Explained

In juvenile justice, a finding of guilt does not automatically result in a penalty. The court must first establish that a juvenile has committed an offense. More importantly, unlike in adult criminal courts, this alone does not warrant a penalty. The juvenile court must also determine that the juvenile is in need of correction or rehabilitation. This distinction, often overlooked, is crucial in understanding how juvenile cases are adjudicated and emphasizes the rehabilitative over the punitive.

Our attorneys are skilled in navigating the nuances of the juvenile justice system and advocate effectively to ensure that the focus remains on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Why Choose Madsen Law Offices for Juvenile Defense?

Madsen Law Offices is one of the few law firms in Easton with a history of representing juveniles up to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court level. Our legal team’s deep understanding of the juvenile justice system’s goals and procedures allows us to provide exceptional defense strategies for our clients.

If your child is facing charges in the juvenile justice system, it’s essential to secure legal representation that stands for their best interests and future. Contact Madsen Law Offices today for a consultation and ensure your child receives the best possible defense.

Important Concepts in Lehigh Valley Juvenile Cases

Informal Adjustment

The process of dealing with a allegations against a Juvenile without instituting Juvenile Court Proceedings.

Consent Decree

The process of instituting Juvenile Court proceedings but in a way that eventually allowing for the dismissal of charges

Admission

An admission is akin to a guilty plea in Criminal Court

Finding of Fact

A Juvenile Court determination as to whether or not the Juvenile committed the alleged crimes. A finding that a Juvenile committed a crime is not, alone, enough to impose penalty.

Adjudication

A finding that, not only did the Juvenile commit a crime but that he or she is also in need of corrective action.

Detention

In our view, Detention is simply a fancy name for Juvenile Prison
Two-column infographic titled 'Juvenile vs. Adult Criminal Cases in Pennsylvania: Key Differences' created by Madsen Law Offices. It details the contrasting goals, participants, record privacy, terminology, and outcomes between the PA juvenile delinquency system and the adult criminal system, specifically tailored for families in Northampton and Lehigh Counties.

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Law Firm to successfully challenge the Northampton County requirement for Admissions in order for a Juvenile to be considered for a Consent Decree.

Supreme Court

One of few Juvenile Defenders in Easton to win Juvenile Cases in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court

Stages of a Juvenile Court Proceedings in Lehigh & Northampton County

1. Arrest and/or Preparation of Petition

Juvenile cases begin with either an arrest or the filing of Juvenile Delinquency Petition, which states the crimes the Juvenile is alleged to have committed.

2. Meeting with Juvenile Probation

The Juvenile will be contacted by Juvenile Probation and asked to come in for an interview. During the interview, family and educational background will be covered along with the underlying basis for the charges. Juvenile Probation will also consider the Juvenile for a Consent Decree or Informal Adjustment at this time.

3. Pre-Adjudication Conference - PAC Hearing (Northampton County Only)

If the Juvenile is not offered an Informal Adjustment, the first Juvenile Court hearing in Northampton County will be a PAC Hearing. At a PAC hearing the case will either result in a Consent Decree or an Admission or it will be listed for an Adjudication Hearing.

4. Adjudication Hearing

If the case has not resolved via a diversionary program or admission, the case will continue on to an adjudication hearing. An Adjudication Hearing is akin to a trial in the context of a Criminal Case. Witness must be produced by the Commonwealth to offer evidence against the Juvenile.

5. Disposition Hearing

A Disposition Hearing is akin to a sentencing in Criminal Court. The Disposition Hearing(s) will occur where the Juvenile resides rather than where the crimes are alleged to have been committed. At the Disposition Hearing, the Juvenile Court must decide what, if any, corrective action is needed. The Juvenile Court is free at this stage to impose no penalty at all or to place to Juvenile in detention. Unlike in adult court where a Defendant is sentenced and never appears in court again, In Juvenile Court the Juvenile will have Disposition Hearings every 3-6 months until the Court finds that he or her is no longer in need of corrective action.

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Local Criminal Defense Law Office to Subpoena a sitting Judge in a criminal case.

First

Law Office to achieve release on bail for a client incarcerated on a Northampton County Detainer

Only

Local Law Firm to have a Prosecutor assert fifth amendment when questioned under oath in our case.

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Law Firm to utilize independent blood test results in a Northampton County DUI case to result in a dismissal of charges.

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Law Firm to achieve the emergency release of Northampton County inmates during the COVID-19 Crisis pro bono & first overall.

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Law Firm to successfully challenge the Northampton County ARD Programs' lack of individualized hearings.

5 Key Differences Between Juvenile and Adult Criminal Charges in Pennsylvania

  1. Primary Objectives:

    • Juvenile System: The main goal of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation. It focuses on correcting behavior and reintegrating the juvenile into society as a responsible individual.
    • Adult Criminal System: The adult system primarily aims to punish offenders, deter criminal behavior, and protect the public.

  2. Court Proceedings:

    • Juvenile System: Juvenile court proceedings are typically more informal and are not open to the public. This privacy aims to protect the juvenile’s identity and encourage a more open discussion about rehabilitation.
    • Adult Criminal System: Adult criminal trials are formal and are usually open to the public, adhering strictly to the procedural rules of criminal law.

  3. Legal Terminology:

    • Juvenile System: Terms are less punitive; for example, juveniles are “adjudicated delinquent” rather than “convicted” of crimes, and they undergo “disposition” instead of sentencing.
    • Adult Criminal System: Adults face “convictions” and “sentences,” emphasizing the punitive aspect of the law.

  4. Record Sealing and Expungement:

    • Juvenile System: Juvenile records are generally easier to seal or expunge, and this can sometimes occur automatically at age 18 or 21, depending on the circumstances. This process is designed to prevent a juvenile’s early mistakes from hindering opportunities later in life.
    • Adult Criminal System: Adult criminal records are more difficult to seal or expunge, often remaining part of an individual’s permanent public record, which can affect employment, housing, and other areas of life.

  5. Sentencing and Detention:

    • Juvenile System: Sentences are more flexible and can include a variety of rehabilitative options such as counseling, community service, and placement in a juvenile detention center rather than a traditional jail or prison.
    • Adult Criminal System: Sentences are often fixed and include incarceration in jails or prisons, fines, and other legal penalties.

Juvenile Court FAQs in the Lehigh Valley

Commonly asked questions by parents and children involved in the Juvenile Justice System in Lehigh & Northampton County

Can a Juvenile be charged as an adult?

Yes, under certain circumstances a Juvenile may be charged as an adult. Generally the crimes must be violent felonies to charge a Juvenile as an adult.

Who does a lawyer represent, me or my parents?

A Juvenile Defense Attorney represents the Juvenile, not the parents, regardless as to who pays the lawyer fees. The ethical answer to this is very clear yet both parents and Criminal Defense Attorneys often misunderstand this concept. Our office will it very clear that the Juvenile is the client. We do, of course, involve parents in the decision making process but with the understanding that all final decisions belong to the Juvenile.

Can a Juvenile be sent to prison?

No, of course not, we are enlightened and call such places with bars Juvenile Detention… Yes, a Juvenile can be incarcerated and as the recent Kids for Cash scandal highlighted, this happens much more frequently than people realize. The majority of Juvenile Detention Centers remain privately owned and continue to heavily market to the “appropriate” entities and individuals.

Can a Juvenile be released on bail?

No, a Juvenile will either be detained without bail or not detained whatsoever.

How long can a juvenile be detained or imprisoned?

A Juvenile can be detained until the age of 21 or up to the statutory maximum period of supervision for the crime, whichever is lesser. However, in practice, Juveniles have less protection than adults when it comes to sentencing. Adults must generally be sentenced to comport with sentencing guidelines which are much lower than statutory maximums.

While sentencing guidelines may often mean that imprisonment is required in an adult case, it also often limits the period of incarceration a Judge can impose. The sentencing do not restrict a Judges ability to sentence in Juvenile cases. Therefore, while there is never a requirement for incarceration in a Juvenile case, there is likewise little protection from keeping a Juvenile incarcerated longer than an adult would be incarcerated for the same offense.

Let us help you!

If you need any legal assistance in the Lehigh Valley, please feel free to contact us.  Our Easton Law Office will get back to you within one business day.  Or, just call us now.

Call :(484)548-0529

Mon – Fri 09:00-17:00

Schedule a Consultation
Our Criminal Defense Attorneys represent Juveniles

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