Juvenile Law

The nightmare of every parent is receiving that late-night telephone call and hearing that their child has been arrested or detained by the police. When your child gets involved with the criminal justice system they need a lawyer with experience. A lawyer who can advocate for them and give them the best opportunity to get a second chance. While it is possible that your child is punished by the juvenile court system, it is important to note that they may also be subject to adult criminal penalties depending on the child’s age and severity of the crime in question. In order to help your child to the fullest extent possible, it is imperative that you seek legal representation from a criminal defense attorney that has experience representing children in the juvenile court system.

Andover juvenile criminal defense attorney Neil F. Faigel has over 30 years of experience representing children in the juvenile court system. He knows that teenagers can make mistakes and that they are easily influenced by friends, older children and others. Attorney Faigel is committed to protecting your child’s rights, reputation and future.

Many of the common juvenile crimes Attorney Faigel handles include:

• Criminal Mischief,
• Vandalism,
• Theft,
• Assault,
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle,
• Drug crimes,
• Sex crimes, and
• Minor in possession of alcohol.

When a minor commits a crime, they will often procced through the juvenile court system, instead of adult court. Juvenile court’s main purpose is to rehabilitate youth with the goal that they will avoid this type of conduct later in life. In Massachusetts, prosecutors have the discretion and authority to charge a juvenile under the Youthful Offender statute. This law was passed in 1996 and, most notably, requires a juvenile age 14 or older, who is charged with murder to be treated as an adult. If your child is charged under this statute, they could face extremely harsh sentences, including adult prison.

Juveniles crimes that take place in school can result in a child being expelled or suspended from school. Andover juvenile criminal defense lawyer Neil F. Faigel has represented children in school suspension hearings. Sometimes the school will opt not to go forward with a hearing and, instead, will try to negotiate with the parents to transfer the child to another school, or to agree to another type of resolution. As a parent, you should not agree to accept any type of settlement with the school system until you have discussed the case fully with an attorney as any resolution could potentially affect the criminal matter. Attorney Faigel understands what is important to consider and will be able to guide you every step of the way.

Andover juvenile defense attorney Neil F. Faigel can help guide you and your child through the juvenile court process and ensure that they obtain the best possible outcome. If your child is facing a juvenile court proceeding it is important that you have a qualified, experienced lawyer handling the matter. Attorney Faigel welcomes you to call him for a free initial consultation to discuss the case. Attorney Faigel will provide you with the attention, care and aggressive defense you will need in order to navigate the juvenile court system. Contact him today for a free initial consultation and let him get to work as quickly as possible.