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When Do You Need Wicomico County Juvenile Criminal Defense?
When your child has been arrested, it’s easy to panic. The most important thing you can do to get control of the situation is to hire a reputable criminal defense attorney to fight the charges. At Britt Criminal Defense, our first priority is to make sure your son or daughter’s rights are protected and their future remains intact. We have defended countless charges in the juvenile justice system including assault, shoplifting, underage drinking, arson, rape, breaking and entering, possession of controlled substances, etc.
Protecting the Rights of Juveniles Facing Criminal Charges – Child Detainment
Most juvenile cases began with law enforcement notifying you that your child has been detained/arrested and taken to the police station. Your child will most likely be released to you unless the alleged crime is serious whereby they will be held overnight at a juvenile detention center.
Before any charges are filed, you and your child will need to attend an intake hearing with an officer from the Department of Juvenile Services. It’s important to consult with a juvenile defense attorney at Britt Criminal Defense before taking part in this meeting.
Community Service And Alternative Programs
If your child has been accused of a misdemeanor, the DJS officer may decide to forego sending the case to the prosecutor’s office and instead order your child to either perform community service, attend counseling, pay restitution, or complete some other task.
If your child has been accused of committing a felony, the Department of Juvenile Services is required by law to forward the case to the State’s Attorney’s Office for review. It’s likely that the State would then file a petition in juvenile court to begin juvenile delinquency proceedings. Juvenile court is much more focused on rehabilitation and may impose certain sanctions such as commitment to a Maryland juvenile facility, commitment to an out-of-state facility, probation, drug testing, drug treatment, psychiatric evaluations, electronically monitored home detention and community service.
For especially egregious crimes, the prosecutor may try to transfer the court to adult court. We will vehemently advocate keeping the case in juvenile court.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters in Juvenile Cases
The actions taken immediately after a juvenile arrest can significantly impact the outcome of the case. Statements made to police, decisions during intake hearings, and missed deadlines can all work against your child if not handled properly. Having a juvenile criminal defense attorney involved early allows for strategic guidance, protects your child from self-incrimination, and improves the chances of diversion or dismissal.
At Britt Criminal Defense, we step in as early as possible to manage communications with law enforcement and the Department of Juvenile Services while advocating for outcomes that prioritize your child’s future.
Common Juvenile Offenses We Defend in Wicomico County
Juvenile charges can range from minor infractions to serious allegations. Our firm has experience handling a wide range of cases, including:
- Assault and school-related incidents
- Theft, shoplifting, and property crimes
- Drug possession and underage drinking
- Weapons-related offenses
- Sexual offense allegations
- Probation violations
No matter the charge, we approach every case with the same level of dedication, discretion, and aggressive advocacy.
How Britt Criminal Defense Helps Protect Your Child’s Future
A juvenile charge does not have to define your child’s life. We focus on minimizing long-term consequences by pursuing diversion programs, reduced sanctions, sealed records, and case dismissals whenever possible. Our attorneys work closely with parents to ensure they understand every step of the juvenile justice process and feel confident in the decisions being made.
We fight for rehabilitation over punishment and work to keep cases out of adult court whenever possible.
Speak With a Wicomico County Juvenile Defense Attorney Today
If your child is facing criminal charges, you do not have to navigate the juvenile justice system alone. Prompt legal representation can make a meaningful difference in protecting your child’s rights and future opportunities.
Call Britt Criminal Defense at 443-944-5705 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney serving Wicomico County.