If a defendant is under the age of 18, their cases are generally handled in the juvenile justice system under separate rules. This is because the juvenile courts, unlike adult courts, are mainly focused on the best interests of the child, which means an emphasis on reform and rehabilitation rather than just punishment and deterrence. [...]
The initial penalty following a decision on a juvenile offense is often the defendant’s first concern. But, after your disposition is complete, a criminal record can have even longer-lasting effects. If someone’s juvenile offense can be chalked up to a youthful indiscretion, is it fair for their criminal record to follow them through their adult [...]
As a young adult, it can be tempting to engage in certain behaviors when many of your peers are doing so. Those who are under 21 might be too impatient to wait a few years, or even a few months, to purchase and consume alcohol. Many times, these young adults end up getting a fake [...]
As the summer months go into full swing, more teens and young adults will engage in underage drinking activities. But the laws of New Jersey do not take a vacation, and an underage drinking charge may have your child facing serious consequences. Just because this is a common offense does not mean every case is [...]
If you are the parent of a minor who has been charged with breaking the law, you may find yourself with many questions about what your child’s punishment could look like. Sometimes, trying to understand the legal processes on your own can make the situation seem more alarming. Mark Catanzaro is here to offer his [...]
Photo - morgue file If your child is charged with a juvenile offense, or you yourself are under 18 and trying to find out more about your situation, you’ve come to the right place. Juvenile crimes can leave families with a lot of questions. As a juvenile or a parent, you are probably wondering what [...]