Most cases involving a defendant under the age of 18 fall under the juvenile justice system. This court system features different rules than the court system for adults. Unlike adult courts, juvenile courts mainly focus on rehabilitating the defendant. This means an emphasis on reform and change rather than just punishment and deterrence. However, sometimes the [...]
As we wrap up our series of posts on the differences between adult court and juvenile court, today we'll look at the ways the defendant can get deferred adjudication in New Jersey. Adult cases have fewer ways to prevent conviction than juvenile cases have to prevent adjudication. Today, we're going to identify some of the [...]
We're over halfway through our series on the differences between adult and juvenile cases. To review, we've covered the differences between adjudication and conviction, the differences in the expungement process, and why juries aren't typically involved. If you need more information about the juvenile court process, stay tuned in upcoming weeks! For now, we'll take [...]
As we continue with our series on the differences between juvenile court and adult court, we come to perhaps the biggest difference: no trial by jury. Now, you might wonder, 'You just finished a series on the Sixth Amendment, and doesn't that talk about our right to a trial by jury?' Indeed, it does! So [...]
Last week, we began a series on the differences between adult trials and juvenile cases. In particular, we explained the difference between a "conviction" and an "adjudication." Continuing this series, today we'll be looking at juvenile expungements—especially juvenile expungements in New Jersey. The process for expungement works differently in every state. This holds true also [...]
Here at The Law Offices of Mark Catanzaro, we defend all sorts of cases. This includes juvenile cases. Today, we're beginning a new series of blogs on juvenile cases, and how they differ from adult cases. In New Jersey, any individual under the age of eighteen is considered a juvenile. Therefore, they're subject to exceptions [...]
We all make mistakes when we’re young. Part of the reason why parents discipline their children is so that they can learn how to live in society while consequences remain low and parents can help. But once you become an adult, the consequences are high and you don’t have help. Nevertheless, if you’re the parent [...]
A juvenile adjudication can have serious ramifications. It's often a mistake to assume it's "no big deal." It can affect the juveniles’ college opportunities, travel, and otherwise restrict his freedom through incarceration or curfews. Here’s some information you need to know about juvenile adjudication and its collateral consequences. The Juvenile Law Center defines “juvenile adjudication” [...]