What to Look for in an Attorney for Your Child
It can be a parent’s worst nightmare. A phone call in the middle of the night alerts them to the fact that their child has been arrested. Most parents will do anything they can to come to the aid of their children, but some are not sure where to start.
If your child has been arrested, one of the first things you need to do is secure an attorney. You cannot defend your child in court. Finding an attorney to represent a minor child is not always the same as finding one to defend an adult. Rules and regulations within the juvenile justice system are different from those in the adult world. Locating an attorney that is familiar with these rules and regulations is imperative. Here are some tips for finding a lawyer to represent your child.
1. Look Near — And Far
Though there may be relatively minor nuances in juvenile criminal law in different municipalities, most laws are written at the state level. As such, instead of searching for a lawyer based solely on location, it may be more prudent to hire the most experienced and well trained lawyer you can find. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to represent you diligently, and take into account all local statutes that may affect your case.
2. Experience in Juvenile Justice
Find an attorney with experience in representing persons under the age of 21. Courts are typically more lenient on minors, and an attorney that practices in the juvenile system is often more effective for children than one who concentrates their practice on the defense of adults.
3. Referrals
It is not often that parents have people they know to ask for referrals for attorneys experienced in juvenile crime. You may not know anyone whose child has been arrested. If you do, however, ask who they used as an attorney. Look online for reviews. Check out social media accounts of the attorneys you are considering. People tend to leave reviews more often when they are dissatisfied, so take that into account when reading what people have said.
4. Ask for a Meeting
The attorney you choose will have a great impact on your child’s future. Most attorneys offer a free consultation; take advantage of this. You aren’t under obligation to hire an attorney because you have met with them. In fact, you can meet with several and decide who you are most comfortable with. Any attorney you hire should make you feel at ease, but they should also give you the facts, not only telling you what you want to hear.
If your child has been arrested for underage DUI in Atlanta or any other crime, you need the experienced team of Hawkins Spizman Fortas on your side. We understand the local juvenile court system, and we will put our knowledge of that system and criminal law to work for your family. Call today to schedule your free case evaluation. We will review the details of your child’s arrest and advise you of your legal options.
