Can I have a Private Attorney Represent my child in Juvenile Court in Minnesota?
The short answer is yes. You have the right to hire your own counsel to represent a child in juvenile court in Minnesota if you are the parent or legal guardian of the child. In fact, if possible, it is advisable that you do so. Sit down with an experienced Juvenile Defense Attorney to discuss your case. It may be even better if they are an experienced criminal defense attorney and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist.
“The Minnesota juvenile justice system can be complex and the consequences could have a massive impact upon your child’s future.”
Why Hire a Private Attorney?
The juvenile justice system can be complex here in Minnesota. As a result, understanding the rules and procedures may be critical to defending your child. In addition, because a private attorney may have more expertise and far more experience. Finally, they can be far more selective in the numbers of cases they take, they may be able to provide far more time and effort to the defense of your child. In the end, all of this matters because juvenile cases are not child’s play. The ramifications can be severe.
Some juvenile convictions can be brutal and will impact the child well into adulthood. Some convictions may require sexual predatory and violent offender registration well into adulthood. Contemplate the need to disclose those sorts of things for a job application, to a school admissions officer or to a potential landlord. There are other offenses that have the potential to expand jurisdiction and continue oversight on a child until their 21st birthday and also possess possible adult conviction exposure. These kinds of cases are called extended juvenile jurisdiction (EJJ) cases. These are only a few examples of juvenile cases that could result in adult problems. Even further, there is always the potential that a child could be certified as an adult and face adult consequences immediately.
“Some think juvenile cases are kid stuff. They aren’t. They could result in serious adult problems.”
Knowing what your child may be stepping into is critical. An experienced juvenile defense attorney can make all of the difference. Sit down with somebody who has been here before and knows where to go and what to do.
Jack Rice is a nationally known juvenile and adult defense attorney. He is also a former prosecutor, a former CIA Office and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. In addition, Jack is the Founder of Jack Rice Defense a boutique firm located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Jack’s got your back.