HAS YOUR CHILD BEEN CHARGED WITH AN OFFENCE?
If you or your child is charged with an offence it is important you get legal advice as soon as possible. Police officers have additional responsibilities when investigating a child’s involvement in an offence. There are also strict time frames involved that can significantly impact the outcome of a criminal matter involving a child.
We have extensive experience in the juvenile justice system and can ensure your child is protected throughout the process.
When your child has been accused of a crime, it can be a difficult and emotional time for both you and your family. The youth criminal justice system is daunting to say the least. As a parent, you want the best possible outcome for your child, and that’s where we come in. Our experienced team of lawyers for youth justice and juvenile crime are dedicated to providing the best possible legal representation for your child.
We understand the unique challenges that juvenile criminal cases present and we have the expertise to navigate the complexities of the juvenile justice system. We are committed to protecting your child’s rights and ensuring that they receive fair treatment under the law.
Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your child, whether it’s getting the charges dropped or reduced, negotiating a plea to a less serious charge, or taking the case to contested hearing. We are here to guide you and your child through this difficult time and help you make the best decisions for the future of your family.
Youth Justice and Juvenile Crime
When dealing with the youth justice system and juvenile crime in Victoria, there are several key points to be aware of:
- Children under the age of 10 cannot be held criminally responsible for their actions or charged with a criminal offence
- Similarly, children aged between 10-14 years old can only be held criminally responsible, if prosecution can prove the child has capacity to know what they have done was criminally wrong.
- Children aged 15 years old and above are considered criminally responsible for their actions
- 17 year olds are still considered to be juvenile offenders and once a child turns 18 years old they are treated as an adult offender, though there are complicated laws dealing with children who commit a crime as a child but are not dealt with (sentenced) until they are an adult.
In accordance with the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 juvenile offenders are dealt with differently, for example they receive lighter penalties and lower maximum periods for custodial sentences. The sentencing options available to the court dealing with a child offender are different to the sentencing options available to a court sentencing an adult. There are also special rules for how the police interact with a child and the considerations in relation to whether a child who has been charged with an offence should receive bail or be remanded in detention until the case is finalised.
What to expect from Chase Murphy Lawyers - your expert Youth Crime Lawyers
When you contact our youth crime team about representing your child for an offence, know that we are here to help.
Being charged with any type of offence can feel overwhelming. We will explain the whole process, advise you of your options and fight for you.
Choose Chase Murphy Lawyers to fight a charge for you or someone in your family.
You will get a team of expert youth lawyers. We genuinely love what we do and know how to make it work to your advantage.