When a minor has been arrested, it is the obligation of the police department to contact the parent or guardian to inform them of the arrest. If the minor is being held in custody for the offense, the authorities must inform the responsible adult of where the minor is being held, for what length of time, and what charges are being placed against the minor.

What many people do not realize is that the arresting authority has to do all of this as quickly as possible after the arrest. Minors have special protections under the law, and these protections include having access to their parent or guardian so that they can have access to proper legal representation.

When Juveniles Are Detained

It is easy to understand that juvenile detention is not a pleasant experience for the minor. It does not matter if it is for a short period of time, such as the time leading up to the trial, or if the detention is part of the penalty received if convicted. Although the intent behind this type of incarceration is to help the minor, most of the programs in these institutions are not helpful in addressing the needs of these minors.

Avoiding juvenile detention should be the goal of the parent or guardian along with seeking appropriate help for the minor. Guardians and parents are encouraged to speak with Tulsa juvenile criminal defense lawyers to see how they can actively help the minor facing charges and get the best possible outcome to the case.

Causes of Delinquency

You cannot pick one specific thing and say that it is a cause of delinquency. However, there are several indicators that show a person who is subjected to a type of living condition is more apt to turn to crime than others. These living conditions are not a guarantee of criminal activity, but they often coincide with the onset of crime.

• Poor Education. Children who have a difficult time in school may also have problems outside of school. Avoiding school due to learning difficulties, peer pressure, bullying, or other issues can leave a child with a lot of excessive time to get into trouble. Something as simple as having difficulty with a subject and not being able to get help can cause a child to hate school. It can also cause the child to have self-doubt of their worth or value, which often leads to reckless acts. How a child is doing in school and their attendance is a very strong indicator if something is not right.
• Substance Abuse. When children are exposed to parents or guardians with substance abuse problems, they often acquire these problems themselves. This can lead to criminal acts to sustain their habits or to get enough money for food or shelter. Substance abuse can also cause other health issues, including mental health problems, which lead to a child breaking the law.
• Support System. Children that do not have an adult that is actively interested in their lives are more prone to get involved in criminal activity. It may be because they have not been shown what is right and wrong, or it may be because they do not fear repercussions for their actions. Whatever the reason behind these acts, children who do not have an adult to place a positive influence on their lives can quickly turn to crime.
• Economic Factors. If the family of the child is struggling, the child may turn to crime to help support themselves or their loved ones. Hunger and other factors can play a large part in the actions of a minor who commits a crime.

Of course, there are many other factors that could contribute to the delinquency of a minor, and many times it is several things that cause the minor to turn to crime. The good news is, however, most of these situations can be changed to benefit the child.

The Importance Of Quality Legal Representation For A Minor Facing Criminal Charges

One of the best things about being a minor is that you have your entire life ahead of you. If you have made a mistake while you were young, you can learn from this mistake and move into adulthood without any further problems. One criminal act does not have to doom a minor for the rest of their life.

Most criminal convictions against a minor are “hidden” when a minor enters adulthood. This means that someone who has had a conviction as a child can move into adulthood with a clean slate. They have the opportunity to move forward. This is an advantage that many adults wish they had, and one that should be taken advantage of by any minor who has been charged with a criminal offense.

With the proper legal representation, any minor can secure the best possible outcome to charges that are being brought against them. In many cases, the attorney can fight to have detention only as a last resort if the minor seeks intervention for the problems that led to the criminal act. A good defense attorney will always seek what is best for their minor client.

Tulsa juvenile criminal defense lawyers understand that this criminal activity is often a cry for help and that with the right intervention on behalf of the attorney and the prosecution, the child in question could turn their life around and enter adulthood without future problems. This criminal trial should be used to benefit the child for their future, not just punish them for their acts.

Being charged with a crime is scary for adults, so it is easy to assume that it is terrifying for minors. Parents and guardians are encouraged to seek quality legal representation for their child and give them the most emotional support possible during this difficult time. Work closely with the attorney to find a solution to the charges and seek any additional help from outside sources to help your child get the help and support they need to avoid future criminal activity.