Juvenile Crimes in Kentucky
One of a parent’s worst nightmares is learning that their child has been arrested. Regardless of the accusations your child is facing, it is understandable that you may feel scared about your child’s future. If the police in Kentucky have arrested your child, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. A qualified criminal defense attorney can protect your child. Below, we discuss the steps to take if your child has been arrested in Kentucky, how a criminal defense attorney can help you if your child is facing juvenile criminal charges and the potential defenses to a juvenile criminal charge.
Steps To Take if Your Child Has Been Arrested in Kentucky
One of the most vital things to do after learning the police have arrested your child is to retain a qualified lawyer. Your child is entitled to an attorney, and it is crucial that you find an experienced juvenile criminal attorney for your child. If you cannot afford to pay an attorney, you have the right to have an attorney assigned to your child’s case free of charge.
Apart from hiring an attorney, there are several other steps you need to take if your child has been taken into custody in Kentucky. They include the following;
- Remain claim: It is natural to get angry or upset after learning that your child has been arrested and is being accused of committing a crime. However, you need to remain calm for your child’s sake. Additionally, acting out could adversely impact your child’s case.
- Cooperate with authorities: Provide whatever information the police ask you to provide, and ask your child to cooperate with the police.
- Understand the charges against your child: You need to ensure you understand the charges against your child. An attorney can help explain what your child is being charged with.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Your child has certain rights under the law. An attorney can ensure your child’s rights are protected. Your child’s attorney can also help develop a strong defense strategy. A strong defense can be the difference between your child being convicted and returning home without a conviction. If your child is guilty, an attorney can fight for them to receive more compassionate penalties such as community service or in-home incarceration.
Potential Defenses to a Juvenile Criminal Charge
There are various potential defenses to a juvenile criminal charge. The exact defenses an attorney raises will depend on the specifics of the particular case. That said, the following are some of the defenses that your child’s defense lawyer may present in an attempt to help your child beat the charges against them;
- Self-defense
- Accident
- Mistaken identity
- False accusation
- Lack of intent
- Violation of Constitutional rights
Another common way of defending juvenile criminal charges is by presenting mitigating factors. These factors can lessen a defendant’s severity or culpability of a crime. For example, if it is your child’s first offense, that can be presented as a mitigating factor.
Contact Us for Legal Guidance
If your child has been arrested in Kentucky, contact our London criminal defense attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm for legal guidance.
