Northern VA Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Shoplifting is one of the most common juvenile offenses we defend. Whether your child is accused of stealing from a Tysons Corner mall, a McLean boutique, or an Alexandria convenience store, we know how to challenge the evidence and protect their future. Many first-time shoplifting cases can be resolved through diversion programs that result in no criminal record.

School fights, playground altercations, and domestic disputes can quickly escalate to assault charges. We defend minors accused of simple assault, assault and battery, and malicious wounding. These charges can result from mutual combat, self-defense situations, or false accusations, and we thoroughly investigate every case to build the strongest possible defense.

From marijuana possession to prescription drug charges, we defend young people facing drug-related offenses throughout Northern Virginia. Drug charges are particularly concerning because they can impact federal student aid eligibility. We work to have drug charges dismissed, reduced, or diverted to treatment programs that focus on education rather than punishment.

Underage drinking and driving charges carry severe consequences in Virginia, including license suspension, mandatory substance abuse programs, and potential detention. We also defend juveniles charged with reckless driving, which is a criminal offense in Virginia that can result from speeds as low as 20 over the limit or driving over 85 mph anywhere in the state.

Gun crimes involving minors are taken extremely seriously in Virginia. Whether your child is accused of bringing a weapon to school, possessing a firearm, or using a weapon during another offense, we provide aggressive defense focused on challenging the search and seizure, questioning the evidence, and protecting constitutional rights.

These are among the most serious juvenile charges, carrying lifelong consequences including sex offender registration. We defend juveniles accused of sexual assault, indecent liberties with a minor, possession of child pornography, and related offenses. These cases require immediate, skilled legal intervention.

Robbery involves taking property from another person through force or intimidation. Carjacking is a specific type of robbery involving motor vehicles. Both are serious felonies that can result in transfer to adult court. We’ve successfully defended juveniles against these charges by challenging identification evidence, questioning witness credibility, and negotiating reduced charges.

Often stemming from trespassing incidents, vandalism, or burglary accusations, these charges are common in juvenile court. We defend against both misdemeanor unlawful entry and felony breaking and entering charges, often securing dismissals when the evidence is weak or the situation was misunderstood.

The moment you contact us, we begin protecting your child’s rights. If your child is in custody, we work immediately to secure their release and prevent them from making damaging statements to authorities. We review arrest reports, interview your family, and begin building a defense strategy within hours.

We conduct our own investigation, independent of law enforcement. This includes reviewing police reports, examining physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance footage, analyzing social media posts, and consulting with experts when necessary. Many juvenile cases fall apart under scrutiny because corners were cut during the investigation.

We examine every aspect of your child’s case for constitutional violations. Were they properly read their Miranda rights? Was the search and seizure lawful? Was there probable cause for the arrest? Were statements coerced? Any violation of constitutional rights can result in evidence being suppressed or charges being dismissed.

In many cases, we can resolve juvenile charges at the intake level before formal court proceedings begin. Virginia’s juvenile system offers numerous diversion programs, including informal supervision, community service programs, counseling requirements, and educational workshops. We negotiate with intake officers and prosecutors to divert cases whenever possible.

If your case goes to court, we provide aggressive representation before the judge. Juvenile court in Virginia is less formal than adult court, but the proceedings are still adversarial. We challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence, present witnesses, cross-examine accusers, and argue for the most favorable disposition possible.

If your child is found delinquent, we fight for sentencing alternatives that keep them in the community and focused on their education. We advocate for probation instead of detention, treatment instead of punishment, and community service instead of incarceration. If necessary, we also handle appeals to circuit court.

The case is dismissed, and no finding of delinquency is entered. This is the best possible outcome and leaves no record.

The case is continued for a period of time (typically 3-6 months) with informal conditions. If your child complies, the case is dismissed.

Your child agrees to certain conditions (counseling, community service, restitution) and if completed successfully, the case is dismissed.

Your child is found delinquent but remains in the community under supervision. Conditions typically include school attendance, curfew, counseling, community service, and regular check-ins with a probation officer. Probation can last anywhere from 6 months to until age 19.

In serious cases, juveniles can be committed to the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice for placement in a detention facility. Detention can be for a specific period or can be indefinite, lasting until the young person turns 21.

Virginia allows juveniles age 14 and older to be transferred to adult court for certain serious felonies. Once transferred, the juvenile faces adult penalties including adult prison time. We fight aggressively to prevent transfers to adult court.

Many juvenile offenses result in mandatory driver’s license suspension, even if the offense wasn’t driving-related. Drug offenses, alcohol offenses, and certain other crimes trigger automatic six-month license suspensions.

Beyond formal sentencing, juvenile convictions can impact college admissions, scholarships, federal student aid eligibility, military enlistment, employment opportunities, and professional licensing in fields like teaching, nursing, and law enforcement.

Virginia juvenile courts have jurisdiction over anyone under age 18 at the time of the alleged offense. Children under age 11 generally cannot be charged with crimes except in very limited circumstances.

Delinquent acts are crimes that would be illegal regardless of the offender’s age. Status offenses are violations that only apply to juveniles, such as truancy, running away, or curfew violations. Status offenses typically don’t result in detention.

Every juvenile charged with a delinquent act has the right to an attorney. If families cannot afford private counsel, a court-appointed attorney will be provided. However, private counsel often provides more personalized attention and resources.

Juvenile court proceedings are generally confidential, and juvenile records are not public. However, serious offenses and cases transferred to adult court may be open to the public.

• Lack of Evidence: The Commonwealth must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is insufficient, the case must be dismissed.
• Mistaken Identity: Many juvenile cases involve identification issues, especially in school settings or group situations where multiple young people are present.
• Self-Defense: Virginia law allows individuals to use reasonable force to defend themselves against unlawful attacks.
• Duress or Coercion: If your child was forced to participate in criminal activity under threat, this can be a complete defense.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: Evidence obtained through illegal searches, coerced statements, or other constitutional violations must be suppressed.
• False Accusations: Unfortunately, juveniles sometimes face false allegations due to peer conflicts, misunderstandings, or adult bias.
• Mental Health Defenses: Mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, and cognitive impairments can impact culpability and inform appropriate dispositions.

Your child has the absolute right to refuse to answer police questions. They should politely decline to speak and ask for an attorney. Anything your child says can be used against them in court.

Your child has the right to have an attorney present during any police questioning. This right applies whether your child is in custody or not. Do not let your child speak with police, school resource officers, or investigators without an attorney present.

Virginia law generally requires police to notify parents when a juvenile is taken into custody. However, this doesn’t always happen immediately, and police may question your child before you arrive.

Police cannot search your child, their belongings, or your home without a warrant, consent, or probable cause. School searches are subject to lower standards, but still must be reasonable. Any evidence obtained through illegal searches can be suppressed.

Your child is entitled to notice of the charges, a hearing before a judge, the opportunity to present a defense, the right to cross-examine witnesses, and the right to appeal.

If your child is in custody and being interrogated, police must read them their Miranda rights. Failure to do so means statements cannot be used as evidence.

Teach your child to be polite but firm. They should provide their name if asked, but then say, “I want to speak with my parents and a lawyer before I answer any questions.” They should not consent to searches and should not explain, justify, or tell their side of the story without an attorney present, no matter how innocent they believe they are.

Your child may be arrested by police or a petition may be filed directly with the court based on a complaint.

If your child is held in detention, a hearing must occur within 24 hours to determine whether continued detention is necessary. Most juveniles are released to their parents pending trial.

A juvenile probation officer reviews the case and decides whether to handle it informally, recommend diversion, or forward it to court for formal proceedings.

This is the trial. The judge hears evidence and determines whether your child committed the alleged offense. There are no jury trials in juvenile court.

If your child is found delinquent, a separate hearing is held to determine the appropriate disposition (sentencing).

If you disagree with the outcome, you have the right to appeal to the circuit court for a new trial before a different judge.

No. Your child should never speak with police, school resource officers, or investigators without an attorney present, even if they believe they’re innocent.

Anything your child says can be twisted, misinterpreted, or used against them. Police are trained interrogators, and juveniles are particularly vulnerable to making damaging statements. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request an attorney. Exercising this right cannot be used against your child in court.

Most juveniles do not go to detention, especially first-time offenders charged with non-violent crimes. Virginia’s juvenile system prioritizes rehabilitation and keeping young people in the community.

However, serious offenses, repeat offenses, or violations of probation can result in commitment to a juvenile detention facility. With experienced legal representation, we can significantly reduce the risk of detention by negotiating diversion programs, advocating for probation, and presenting a comprehensive plan that addresses the court’s concerns while keeping your child at home and in school.

Simple cases resolved through diversion or informal supervision may conclude within 2-3 months. Cases that go to adjudication hearings typically take 3-6 months from arrest to disposition, though complex cases can take longer.

Detention hearings happen within 24 hours if your child is in custody. The timeline depends on the severity of the charges, the court’s docket, whether continuances are needed for investigation, and whether the case is contested or resolved through negotiation. We work efficiently to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring thorough preparation.

Yes. Many juvenile charges are dismissed, reduced, or diverted to alternative programs that result in no criminal record. Common reasons for dismissal include insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, witness credibility problems, or successful completion of diversion programs.

We also frequently negotiate reduced charges in exchange for counseling, community service, or other rehabilitative measures. First-time offenders have the best chance of favorable outcomes, but even repeat offenders can secure reduced charges with effective representation.

The first court appearance is typically the detention hearing if your child was taken into custody, or the intake conference if your child was released. At a detention hearing, the judge determines whether your child should remain in detention or be released to your custody pending trial.

At an intake conference, you meet with a juvenile probation officer who reviews the case and recommends a course of action. Having an attorney present at these early stages is critical because important decisions are made that shape the entire case. We ensure your rights are protected from day one.

Not necessarily. Juvenile records in Virginia are confidential and not public. Additionally, many cases are dismissed or diverted, resulting in no finding of delinquency and no record.

Even when a finding of delinquency is entered, Virginia law provides for expungement in certain circumstances. However, serious felonies, especially those transferred to adult court, can create lasting records that impact future opportunities. This is why fighting the charges and securing the best possible outcome is so important. We also help families pursue expungement when available.

Absolutely not. Never plead guilty without first consulting an experienced juvenile defense attorney. Pleading guilty has serious consequences including a delinquency finding, potential detention, probation, and long-term impacts on education and employment.

Many cases that initially seem hopeless have winning defenses once a lawyer reviews the evidence. Police reports are often inaccurate, witnesses are unreliable, searches are illegal, and constitutional rights are violated. Even in cases with strong evidence, skilled negotiation can often secure better outcomes than simply pleading guilty. You have nothing to lose by fighting and everything to gain.

Yes. The juvenile justice system is complex, and the consequences of a delinquency finding can follow your child for years.

An experienced Fairfax juvenile crime lawyer understands how to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, advocate before judges, and protect constitutional rights. We also know which diversion programs are available, which judges are receptive to alternative sentencing, and how to present your child’s case in the most favorable light. Court-appointed attorneys are often overworked and have limited resources. Private counsel provides personalized attention, thorough investigation, and aggressive advocacy that can make the difference between detention and dismissal. Your child’s future is worth the investment.

Yes, in certain circumstances. Virginia allows juveniles age 14 and older to be transferred to adult court for serious felonies including murder, aggravated malicious wounding, rape, robbery with a firearm, and certain drug offenses.

The transfer process involves a hearing where the prosecutor must show that the juvenile is not a proper subject for treatment in the juvenile system. Factors include the seriousness of the offense, the juvenile’s age and maturity, prior record, and the likelihood of rehabilitation. Transfer to adult court is one of the most serious outcomes in a juvenile case because it exposes your child to adult prison sentences. We fight aggressively to prevent transfers and keep cases in juvenile court where rehabilitation is the focus.

Contact Monument Legal immediately, before your child speaks with anyone. Exercise your child’s right to remain silent and right to counsel. Do not consent to any searches. Do not allow your child to make statements to police, even if officers say “it will be better if they just tell us what happened.”

Remain calm and supportive with your child while being firm about their right not to speak. Gather any evidence that might help the defense including text messages, social media posts, photos, and names of potential witnesses. Write down everything you remember about the events leading to the arrest. Call us 24/7 for emergency legal assistance. The first 48 hours are critical, and early intervention dramatically improves outcomes.