Questionnaire: Choosing a Juvenile Defense Attorney

With any criminal charge, it’s critical to find the right attorney. This is also true for minors facing juvenile charges. There is much at stake and a criminal conviction can have a serious impact on a young person’s future and overall well-being.

This article can help you make an informed decision when choosing a juvenile defense attorney.

FindLaw’s Attorney Directory is a great resource for finding attorneys in your area who specialize in juvenile justice. Use the questionnaire below when interviewing local attorneys to find the best fit for your child’s case.

Choosing a Juvenile Defense Lawyer: Questions To Ask Potential Attorneys

Ask your attorney the following questions:

• How long have you been practicing criminal law, specifically in the area of juvenile law?
• Can you explain the key differences between juvenile cases and adult criminal cases?
• What types of criminal offenses or juvenile crimes do you have experience defending (DUI, shoplifting, or other misdemeanor cases)? What experience do you have with the particular charges involved in this case?
• Have you represented juvenile offenders in both juvenile court and adult court?
• Is your practice currently devoted exclusively to juvenile law, or do you work in other practice areas? If so, what areas?
• What outcomes have you achieved for your clients in cases similar to this one?
• Have you successfully handled cases involving the expungement of juvenile records by the state’s attorney guidelines?
• What are the possible outcomes in this case? A clean record, criminal charges dropped, community service, restitution, residential Treatment, probation, etc.?
• Could you explain the likelihood of a jury trial in the juvenile court system and under what circumstances it might be pursued?
• What strategy do you recommend in this case? How can you help protect my child’s rights and ensure they receive a fair adjudication process in the criminal justice system?
• Has your law office worked with probation officers or mental health professionals in juvenile cases to provide a well-rounded defense?
• Do you know any diversion programs or alternative sentencing options that may be available for my child?
• Will you be doing the work on this case, or will you delegate it to a less experienced attorney, a paralegal, or a law clerk?
• What are your fees?
• How much do you think this case will cost?
• How will you keep me informed of developments in the case?
• How long will it take to resolve this case?
• Have you ever had your license suspended? If so, please explain.
• Have you been the subject of disciplinary proceedings? If so, please explain.
• Have former clients filed complaints against you? If so, please explain.
• Can you clarify the role of a public defender versus hiring a private juvenile attorney for my child’s case?

Choosing a Juvenile Defense Attorney: Questions To Ask Yourself

• Is the location of the office convenient to my home and/or office?
• Are appointments available at convenient times?
• Does this attorney’s personality work well with mine/my child’s?
• Do I feel intimidated by this attorney?
• Am I comfortable asking questions?
• Do I feel confident that this attorney will do a good job?

Choosing a Juvenile Defense Lawyer: Related Resources and Tips

When selecting a juvenile defense attorney for your child, it’s crucial to consider their experience within the juvenile court system. Here are a few helpful tips and resources.

• Discuss strategies to minimize the potential consequences, such as avoiding a criminal record and addressing issues like curfew violations and substance abuse
• Understand how the attorney handles detention hearings
• Understand what steps can be taken to secure your child’s release from a juvenile detention center
• Check if the attorney is a member of the local bar association and adheres to their ethical standards

Use the links below for more information and resources.

• Juvenile Delinquents
• Juveniles and Status Offenses
• Police/Law Enforcement Questioning of Minors
• Juvenile Justice System

Get Expert Legal Representation: Meet With a Juvenile Defense Attorney

Having a strong attorney-client relationship in juvenile cases is imperative. Now that you have a helpful checklist to help you choose a juvenile attorney, it’s time to put it to use.

There are several benefits to hiring an attorney early in the process. Benefits include the ability to influence the evidence in the record and possibly enter into an agreement with the prosecution. Get a confident start on your case by finding a local criminal defense attorney with juvenile court experience.