Toledo Juvenile Crime Lawyers
Defending Against Juvenile Crime Charges in Ohio
It is possible for juveniles to be charged with crimes in Ohio and when they are, it is critical for them and their loved ones to navigate these cases carefully. When the accused is a minor, there are several significant differences from usual criminal cases that can all become a disadvantage for the defendant. Even worse, these juvenile cases are often handed off to inexperienced prosecutors who may not be well-versed in due process and the subtleties of our juvenile justice system.
At Patituce & Associates, not only are we experienced, proven Toledo juvenile defense attorneys– we’re also parents. We understand what the stakes are in these cases not just for the accused, but for the family as a whole and the future of their child. That is why we treat these cases with the diligence and severity of any criminal case we handle and ensure that our clients are given the consideration they deserve under the law. Call our offices at (440) 771-1175 now. We are available 24/7.
Juvenile Cases vs. Adult Criminal Cases
Some people assume that defendants in juvenile court would receive more protections because of their youth and potential for rehabilitation. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case. In fact, there are several important factors that affect the rights of juvenile defendants and the outcomes of these cases.
In the juvenile justice system:
- Juveniles lack the right to bail or bond. Not all juveniles are held in detention centers while their cases are pending (many are allowed home detention or released to their parents), but those who are detained will not have access to a bail or bond hearing. Because there is also no right to a speedy trial, these detention periods can become lengthy.
- Juveniles have no right to a jury trial. In adult criminal trials, a jury of peers decides the outcome, but almost all juvenile cases are handled by a single judge in juvenile court.
- Sentences for juveniles can be altered by the Department of Corrections. If a juvenile is incarcerated and turns 21 while serving their sentence, the Department of Corrections has discretion to request adult sentencing, which could extend incarceration even further.
These are just some of the urgent reasons why dedicated, proven defense counsel is needed in these cases. At Patituce & Associates, we approach these cases with these concerns in mind and ensure they are emphatically voiced throughout every stage of your child’s case. Call our Toledo juvenile crime attorneys today to learn more.
Juvenile Felony Charges
Many juvenile cases involve misdemeanor crimes, but in some cases, the defendant can face significant penalties due to felony charges. These cases are particularly serious and can have a long-term effect on the future of the defendant. A finding of delinquency (a “guilty verdict” in juvenile court) can not only result in incarceration but future difficulties in college applications, employment efforts, etc. If your child has been accused of a felony, our firm is prepared to bring trusted, proactive counsel to their case that is focused on minimizing any penalties and, if possible, dismissing the charges altogether.
Juvenile DUI Charges
Those under 21 (the legal drinking age) are held to a different blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit than other, older drivers. These younger drivers can be arrested if their BAC is 0.02% or higher. This form of drunk driving is still considered a crime and many of these cases are handled in our juvenile justice system. Regardless of your child’s age in these underage DUI/OVI cases, it is critical that you seek experienced representation that is well-versed in this area of the law and prepared to challenge the state’s accusations against the defendant.
Do not hesitate to start mounting a legal defense for your child. Call our dedicated Toledo juvenile criminal defense lawyers today to request a free phone consultation.
The Juvenile Defense Process in Toledo
Understanding the juvenile defense process in Toledo helps families prepare for what lies ahead and supports confident, informed decisions. Every phase has its own requirements, especially within Lucas County Juvenile Court, and knowing what to expect gives your child the best opportunity for a positive outcome. A juvenile defense attorney in Toledo will be your guide from start to finish, making the process less stressful and helping you protect your child’s rights.
The process generally starts when law enforcement begins an investigation or a complaint is filed. Authorities or school officials may contact parents to explain what’s happening. If the situation requires legal intervention, the process typically follows these phases:
- Detention hearing: Determines whether the juvenile will remain in custody or be released during the case. In Toledo, this occurs quickly, usually within a few days. A juvenile defense lawyer can present arguments to the judge for release.
- Pretrial conferences: Lawyers review evidence, discuss possible resolutions, and set case timelines. The defense can challenge evidence and explore diversion or support programs.
- Adjudication (trial): A judge, not a jury, hears the testimony and decides the outcome. The juvenile’s attorney presents evidence and argues for a reduction or dismissal based on the individual situation.
- Disposition (sentencing): If found delinquent, the juvenile receives their sentence in a separate hearing. The judge may consider alternatives such as probation or counseling, based on recommendations from the defense and the details of the case.
Through every step, our juvenile defense lawyer in Toledo stays in close communication with families to review the progress, explain court decisions, and adapt as new information arises. Having a defense team with Lucas County experience provides families with reassurance and helps protect what matters most.
What Do You Do If Your Child Is Charged With a Crime?
Few circumstances can be as stressful for a parent as learning that their child has been charged with a crime. It’s common to not know how to proceed—or even what your family’s options are. Below, we outline two immediate steps any family can take to help ensure a favorable outcome in these matters.
If you learn that your child has been charged with a crime:
- Immediately get in contact with a proven Toledo criminal attorney. Police will consult with parents before questioning a minor and it is highly advised that you first consult with an attorney and have one present when your child is questioned. Our firm includes three former prosecutors that know what tactics police use in questioning to extract damaging statements. We can guard your child against these tactics and protect them from further implicating him or herself.
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Police will also want to question parents about their child and what happened. It is advised that you exercise your right to remain silent. Often, parents are quick to want to “clear things up” with police and set the record straight on behalf of their child. If your child has already been arrested, then the record likely has to be set straight in court with the help of an attorney. Simply tell law enforcement that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent at this time.
How We Build a Personalized Juvenile Defense Strategy
Creating an effective defense strategy for a juvenile case in Toledo requires more than simply knowing the law. We begin with an in-depth discussion to understand your family’s concerns, your child’s background and school life, any past discipline issues, and the unique circumstances surrounding the charges. During these meetings, we identify potential risks as well as opportunities for early intervention that could shape a more positive result.
Our hands-on, personalized approach as juvenile defense attorneys in Toledo means we thoroughly gather and analyze evidence that may go beyond what the prosecution presents. This can include school records, specialist evaluations, or input from counselors and mentors. Such thorough investigation lets us present the full context in court, highlighting your child’s strengths, circumstances, and any factors that may mitigate the charges. We also interview witnesses who can describe the events or speak about your child’s character, especially in cases where incidents occur at school or in the community and misunderstandings are common.
- Thorough evidence review: We examine all details, including timelines, police reports, and communications from school personnel and officers.
- Individualized recommendations: Depending on your child’s needs, we may recommend counseling, extracurriculars, or participation in recognized intervention programs to bolster the defense.
- Collaborative planning: We keep your family closely involved, adjusting our strategies as things change so you’re always informed about the next steps and possible results.
This detailed and compassionate approach has helped many families in the Toledo area navigate juvenile court with confidence and secure brighter prospects for their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child have a permanent criminal record after a juvenile adjudication?
Most juvenile adjudications in Ohio do not result in a permanent record that follows a child into adulthood. Record sealing or expungement may be possible, but options depend on the offense type and whether all court requirements are satisfied. Consult an attorney to discuss record sealing in Lucas County based on your child’s case.
Can my child be tried as an adult in Lucas County?
In certain serious felony cases, a juvenile can face a “bind-over” hearing, where the judge decides if the case gets transferred to adult court. This depends on the charge and specific Ohio law. Talk to a juvenile defense lawyer in Toledo to understand if this may apply in your child’s situation.
Are there alternatives to detention for juveniles?
Yes, Lucas County offers a range of options besides detention, such as diversion programs, counseling, probation, and community service. Eligibility depends on the charge and prior history. Discuss these with your attorney early—exploring alternatives can help shape the best outcome for your child.
Contact us today to get started with our juvenile crimes attorney in Toledo.
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“Outstanding service!!! Worth every penny!!! Great communication, quick response time, and when my case hit some speed bumps, he handled them easily. I am extremely pleased with my outcome.”- Kevin I.
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“I engaged Joe Patituce's services for my DUI case, and I couldn't have made a better choice. He and his team demonstrated excellence throughout, managing my case with remarkable skill and professionalism.”- Glenn G.
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“They genuinely care about their clients, they are ethical, honest and highly proactive. They guided us with care through the uncertainty that is our legal system. They kept us informed and answered all our questions.”- Matthew S.
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“Seeking representation for federal charges against my husband led me to engage with this firm. Swiftly connected with Joe Patituce, we made the decision to enlist his services that very day, a choice we're grateful for.”- Martha L.
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“Their friendly and approachable team provided unwavering support. They worked diligently to build a robust defense, ensuring my side of the story was heard and considered!!!”- Cora B.
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“My attorney was present, attentive, always returned my calls, answered my questions, and never ignored my calls. If I ever need an attorney in the future I will definitely go back to her.”- Former Client
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“Very responsive, friendly, and obviously very good with words. She kept me out of jail and home with my kiddo. For that I can't ever repay the favor. Much appreciated!”- Roberto M.
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“They talked me through my whole case and when I told them I wanted a trial, they agreed without hesitation. They were very professional, and I couldn’t ask for a better law firm to have my back.”- Thomas S.
