What You're Facing

Juvenile charges in Virginia carry consequences that follow young people for years. The common misconception is that juvenile convictions don't matter, that they're sealed or automatically go away when you turn 18. That's not true. Juvenile convictions can damage college prospects, employment opportunities, military eligibility, and professional licensing. And in serious cases, juveniles can be tried as adults and face the same penalties as adult offenders, including years in prison.

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Virginia's juvenile court system operates differently than adult court. Cases are heard, at least initially, in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, not General District or Circuit Court. The focus is supposed to be on rehabilitation rather than punishment, but that doesn't mean the system is lenient. Juveniles can be detained in secure facilities. They can be committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice for months or years. And for serious offenses, they can be certified to be tried as adults.

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The certification process, also called transfer, allows juveniles in certain circumstances to be prosecuted in adult court for serious felonies. Once certified, a juvenile faces adult penalties including prison time and even life sentences. Fighting certification requires understanding the specific factors courts consider and presenting evidence that the juvenile justice system can adequately address the charges. Avoiding certification is also frequently negotiated with the prosecution depending on the facts of the case. 

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Even when cases stay in juvenile court, the consequences can be serious. Adjudications of delinquency (the juvenile equivalent of convictions) become part of a juvenile's record. They can be used against the juvenile in the future for purposes of adult sentencing hearings, enhance sentencing guidelines, and be used as underlying felonies for adult gun charges. 

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Why Juvenile Cases Require Different Representation

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Juvenile court operates under different rules and procedures than adult court. Deferred dispositions, agreements where charges are dismissed after a period of good behavior, are far more common in juvenile court than adult court. Understanding when to push for a deferred disposition versus when to fight the charges outright requires experience in the juvenile system.

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We've represented hundreds of juveniles as public defenders and in private practice. We understand how to present cases in ways that emphasize rehabilitation rather than punishment. We know when certification is likely and how to fight it. We know how to work with parents to develop plans that satisfy the court while keeping families together.

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As parents ourselves, we understand how terrifying it is when your child is facing criminal charges. We know the fear of what this could mean for their future. That perspective shapes how we approach these cases, with urgency and an understanding of what's really at stake for your family.

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Facing A Juvenile Charge in Virginia Beach or Hampton Roads?

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Juvenile charges carry lasting consequences that can affect your child's future for years. These cases require attorneys who understand the juvenile court system and know how to fight for outcomes that protect your child's future. Call us at 757-961-3311 or fill out the online form below for a free, confidential consultation. We'll give you an honest assessment of the situation and explain your options. Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege.