How you can protect your child’s future after criminal charges

On Behalf of | Oct 21, 2021 | Criminal Defense |

You and your family may be relaxing, waiting for one of your children to get back home. That may not be what happens. Instead, a police officer rings your doorbell. When you answer, you learn that your child has been picked up and accused of a crime.

Children may not always realize that their actions may harm someone else. They may have been driving around with a paintball gun in the vehicle. Seeing a disliked teacher’s house, they may decide it would be fun to shoot paintballs at their house.

Does your child understand why their actions may be called a crime?

A child’s brain may not fully develop until they are well into their 20s. This may affect their ability to understand the consequences of their actions, such as paintballing their teacher’s house.

After the police have stopped the vehicle and explained why they were stopped, the teens may be confused. They may explain that, aside from paintballing the house, they caused no harm.

How a juvenile criminal record may impact your child’s future

Being charged with a crime may show up on your child’s record, which may bar them from renting an apartment or even getting a car loan. They may find out how difficult getting a job may be. Even worse, colleges and universities your child hopes of attending may not admit them.

Your child may now begin to make the connection between action and consequence. Even so, starting out an independent life may be challenging.

An “off the record” judgment

Juvenile justice officers and judges may understand the potential consequences your child may face. Both of these individuals may have the ability to handle your child’s case. This means that the juvenile justice officer or the judge may decide to give your child an informal, or “off the record” judgment, which may teach your child a serious lesson.