Juvenile Law in Utah

Defense lawyer for minors facing charges

Any parent dreads the prospect of receiving a phone call from the police station. The approach to juvenile offenses in Utah leans toward rehabilitation, but your child can still face at least a weekend in detention for a variety of offenses. If your child has been arrested, the Law Office of Harold W. Stone, III helps you get control of the situation and avoid a lengthy detention.

What happens when a juvenile is arrested?

Simple juvenile charges are often handled with a non-judicial resolution such as community service or counseling. More serious offenses can result in detention for up to 30 days.

Youth Services offenses

A juvenile accused of a low-level offense may be taken home and issued a citation. But if the parents are not immediately available, the child is taken to a Juvenile Justice Services (JJS) receiving center. Offenses at this level are misdemeanors including:

  • Shoplifting
  • Possession of alcohol
  • Simple assault

The JJS staff seeks out the child's parents and brings the family together to discuss Youth Services programs as an alternative to detention.

Offenses qualifying for juvenile detention

A juvenile can be placed in detention if he or she meets the Guidelines for Admission to Secure Youth Detention Facilities. Qualifying offenses that allow a juvenile to be placed in locked detention include:

  • Assault causing serious injury
  • Possession of a weapon
  • Prostitution
  • Any felony

Juveniles in detention are not eligible for bail. Instead, a juvenile detention hearing is held and a judge decides whether the accused should remain in detention. The case then proceeds to arraignment within 30 days, followed by a trial in juvenile court.

What should I do if my child is arrested?

Contact criminal defense attorney in Salt Lake City Harold Stone immediately. He represents juveniles in detention hearings, in arraignments and at trial in juvenile court. At each step of the process, he presses for your child's freedom from detainment. He seeks a non-judicial resolution whenever possible, and fights the charges if they escalate to a trial.

Protect your child from juvenile criminal charges in Utah

If a juvenile in your care has been arrested, get help from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call Harold Stone today at 1-801-913-7055, or contact the firm online to schedule your initial consultation.