Gloucester County Juvenile Defense Lawyers

Gloucester County Juvenile Defense Lawyers

A parent can understandably feel overwhelmed when their child is arrested for a criminal offense in Gloucester County or anywhere else in the state. It is the first experience with the New jersey juvenile justice system for most of these individuals and a wide range of questions and concerns are triggered. If your juvenile son or daughter is under investigation or has already been charged, the best advice we can give you is to contact an experienced Gloucester County juvenile criminal attorney as soon as possible for a consultation.

We are the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, a criminal defense firm with extremely unique and rare qualifications to assist with a juvenile charge arising in Washington Township, Franklin Township, Glassboro, Deptford Township, Mantua Township, Woolwich Township, Monroe Township, Harrison Township, Swedesboro, or another Gloucester County municipality.

We can offer you:

  • Over 200 years of combined experience defending juvenile offenses at the Gloucester County Superior Court and other courts throughout NJ
  • Ten (10) lawyers who specialize exclusively in defense and nothing else
  • Former county prosecutors that include a Director of the Juvenile Unit, Major Crimes, Drug Task Force and even an entire Trial Division
  • Certified criminal trial attorneys, a distinction held by less than 2% of those licensed in the state
  • An office conveniently located in Woodbury just a few blocks from the Gloucester County Family Division where your juvenile case shall be heard

Because we’ve handled so many juvenile cases and witnessed their effect on families, we recognize that time is of the essence. That’s why we respond at any time of day, even on weekends and holidays, to secure your child’s release and discuss with you how to proceed. What’s more, we’re dedicated to acting in our juvenile clients’ best interests and pursuing the best possible outcome for them, whether that means negotiating for lesser or dismissed charges or advocating for a lighter penalty or a reduced sentence.

Learn what the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can do for your child facing juvenile offense charges in Gloucester County. Please contact our Woodbury office today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

What Happens in a Gloucester County Juvenile Offense Case?

Although many adults panic on learning their child has been arrested, please know that the State of New Jersey would rather help a child than punish them. Offenses involving juveniles — youths younger than 18 years old — often begin in Family Court, which focuses on rehabilitation.

There are some juvenile cases involving serious criminal charges, such as armed robbery, which end up in Gloucester County Superior Court, should a prosecutor request a youth be tried as an adult. But those are the exception rather than the rule.

Family Court’s philosophy centers on the development, care, and protection of the juveniles appearing there. It seeks to hold youths accountable for their behavior but also guide them into being responsible, productive citizens.

All juveniles facing charges in Family Court must be represented by a lawyer. Children whose parents or guardians are unable to hire an attorney because of demonstrable indigence receive a public defender. There is no leeway to proceed without a defense attorney.

The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall offer a free, no-obligation consultation where you can decide whether you’d like us to speak for your child. We can answer your questions and address any concerns you have before moving forward.

After a juvenile arrest, a judge frequently decides whether the youth is equipped to return to the community, to home, and to school, or if detention in a juvenile facility would be better. That’s an option if the child poses a danger to themselves or others.

The court considers factors such as:

  • The child’s prior criminal history
  • The seriousness of the alleged crime
  • The child’s medical or psychological issues, if any
  • Information from parents, police, and other relevant parties regarding the child’s problems
  • Any other relevant information about the child’s safety to themselves or others

We Will Fight for Your Child’s Best Interests

The Gloucester County juvenile defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have more than 100 years of combined experience in representing people facing criminal charges, including juveniles. We have advocated for children and teenagers accused of various offenses, including:

We’ll launch our own independent investigation of all charges. It’s not uncommon to have charges reduced or dropped in a juvenile case. For instance, facts can be unclear in drug-related and alcohol-related cases involving large gatherings or parties. For cases involving disputes, such as theft or simple assault, we may be able to negotiate a resolution for making amends and restitution.

If we cannot successfully negotiate to have any charges against your child dismissed, we will represent them tenaciously in court. Juvenile cases are heard in the county where the alleged offense occurred. If the youth lives in a different county, however, the court system may arrange for a case to be heard in the child’s county of residence.

Children and teenagers with no prior juvenile offense history or who are charged with less serious offenses generally appear at a Juvenile Conference Committee. This is an informal proceeding where a municipal court judge decides the case. The judge may order the child to perform community service or other restitution, pay a fine, or undergo alcohol, drug, or psychological counseling.

In cases involving a child with a prior juvenile offense history or children charged with more serious offenses, a Family Court judge will preside over a trial, complete with a prosecutor and a defense attorney. These proceedings are heard in a closed court, where there is no jury. Only people involved in the case (including parents or guardians) can attend. In addition, all records associated with these proceedings — including police reports and all medical, social, and other legal records — remain confidential.

Depending on the case and other factors in the child’s life, a juvenile who is found guilty or pleads guilty can face several outcomes, including:

  • Undergoing drug and alcohol or psychological treatment
  • Performing community service
  • Paying fines and restitution
  • Surrendering a driver’s license for a period of suspension
  • A commitment to a juvenile detention facility

In New Jersey, the state’s Juvenile Supervision program allows underage offenders to remain in their community under a probation officer’s supervision. The officer monitors their compliance with judge’s rules and conditions, which also may include counseling and academic goals.

State law also allows the court to modify a juvenile’s sentence at any time, including when the child’s attorney files for post-disposition relief on their behalf.

Meet with a Gloucester County Juvenile Crime Defense Attorney Today

The legal team at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall isn’t just knowledgeable about New Jersey’s juvenile justice system. We’re parents ourselves. Our attentive and caring Gloucester County juvenile defense attorneys know the options we can pursue to keep a criminal conviction off your child’s public record or resolve an arrest in the best possible way.

Contact us today online or call us to set up a confidential consultation. You’re also welcome to visit our Woodbury office at 38 Cooper St., Suite 204. We’re here to assist you.