juvenile Crimes

When Facing Juvenile Charges, Get Our Legal Team In Your Corner
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juvenile Crimes Attorney In New Jersey

Facing Juvenile Crimes?

At Thomas DeMarco & Associates, we understand the challenges and complexities of handling juvenile crime cases. A criminal charge at a young age can have a long-lasting impact on a child’s future, affecting education, career opportunities, and personal relationships. If your child is facing criminal charges, having an experienced defense attorney is critical to protecting their rights and ensuring they receive the support they need. Our goal is to provide skilled legal representation while helping families navigate the juvenile justice system in New Jersey.


In New Jersey, juveniles—individuals under the age of 18—are subject to a separate legal process when charged with a crime. The juvenile justice system focuses more on rehabilitation and guidance than on punishment, but the consequences of a juvenile conviction can still be severe. Depending on the circumstances, a juvenile may face penalties that include detention, probation, community service, or mandatory counseling.

Call Thomas DeMarco & Associates at 856-541-9000 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.

The Juvenile Justice System in New Jersey

Juvenile crimes can include a wide range of offenses, including:

  • Theft: Shoplifting, burglary, auto theft, or other forms of theft.
  • Drug Offenses: Possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances.
  • Assault: Simple assault, aggravated assault, and fighting.
  • Vandalism: Graffiti, property destruction, and other acts of vandalism.
  • Underage Drinking and DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even at a young age.
  • Cybercrimes: Online harassment, identity theft, and other internet-related offenses.
  • Sex Crimes: Sexual misconduct, statutory rape, or other sexual offenses.
  • Weapons Charges: Illegal possession or use of weapons.
  • School-Related Crimes: Bullying, harassment, or possession of drugs or weapons on school grounds.

Consequences of Juvenile Convictions

A conviction in juvenile court can lead to various penalties, depending on the severity of the crime, the juvenile’s prior record, and other factors. Common penalties for juvenile offenses include:

  • Probation: Juveniles may be placed on probation, during which they must follow specific rules and report to a probation officer. Violating probation can result in more severe penalties.
  • Community Service: Many juvenile offenders are required to complete community service as part of their sentence.
  • Juvenile Detention: For more serious offenses, juveniles may be placed in a juvenile detention center for a specified period.
  • Counseling or Treatment Programs: Courts often require juveniles to attend counseling, substance abuse treatment, or educational programs designed to address the underlying issues that led to the offense.
  • Fines and Restitution: In some cases, juveniles may be ordered to pay fines or restitution to compensate victims for their losses.
  • Loss of Driving Privileges: For certain offenses, such as underage drinking or DUI, a juvenile may lose their driving privileges for a period of time.


In some cases, juveniles charged with very serious offenses, such as violent crimes, sexual offenses, or drug trafficking, may be waived up to adult court. This means they will be tried as an adult, facing the same penalties as an adult offender. Being tried as an adult significantly increases the potential consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and permanent criminal records.


At Thomas DeMarco & Associates, we fight to keep juvenile cases in Family Court, where the focus remains on rehabilitation rather than punishment. If your child is at risk of being tried as an adult, we will work tirelessly to prevent this from happening.

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Have Questions?

Call Thomas DeMarco & Associates at 856-541-9000 today to speak to an attorney.

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