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Ashburn Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Ashburn, VA Juvenile Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Juvenile Crimes and Delinquency Proceedings in Ashburn, Virginia

When a minor is charged with a crime, it is a frightening experience for their entire family. The outcome of a juvenile delinquency case can have long-lasting effects on a young person’s education, employment opportunities, and their overall future. Even though Virginia’s juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, minors can still face harsh penalties, and in some cases, can be tried as adults.

Whitlock Law provides experienced legal representation for minors who have been accused of misdemeanors and felonies in Ashburn, Virginia. Our firm works closely with families to guide them through the legal process. We can help protect the rights of minors while working to achieve outcomes that will help them minimize long-term consequences.

How Juvenile Delinquency Cases Are Handled in Virginia

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts have jurisdiction over youth under the age of 18. When a child is accused of a delinquent act that would be considered a crime if it was committed by an adult, law enforcement present the case to an juvenile intake officer, who determines whether to issue a delinquency petition. If the petition is issued, it will be served on the child and a case will be opened with the Court.

During this process, multiple hearings will be held, including:

Arraignment: This is a short proceeding where the Judge formally notifies the minor of the charges against them, advises them of their right to counsel, and sets a date for an adjudication hearing. If the minor is held in Juvenile Detention on the petition, the Judge will also review whether the child will remain detained pending adjudication. A parent or legal custodian must attend this hearing with the minor.
Adjudicatory Hearing: This is an evidentiary hearing similar to a criminal trial. Both the prosecution and defense can present evidence and witness testimony and make legal arguments to the Judge. If the Judge finds there is sufficient evidence to find the child guilty, the Court will continue the matter to another date for a disposition and order the family to participate in the completion of a social history with the local juvenile probation office.
Disposition Hearing: This is similar to an adult sentencing hearing. The Court will review the evidence of the offense and information collected in the social history and will impose punishment for the offense. The Court can order both the minor AND parents to complete certain requirements as part of the disposition order.

In many cases, the parties may agree to or the court may allow the youth to have the benefit of a deferred finding. This means that the minor is being placed on supervised or unsupervised probation for a period of time and is ordered to meet certain requirements, such as community service, educational programs, or counseling. If they complete these requirements and have no other violations of law, the Court will dismiss the case. It is crucial to have proper legal representation to both advocate for this outcome and understand all obligations the court imposes.

In serious or violent cases, the Commonwealth may seek to try the minor as an adult. Punishment in those cases can include placement in a local or state juvenile detention facility and possibly jail or prison time after the child turns 18. It is important to call a criminal defense attorney to understand how your child’s case might progress through the juvenile justice system.

Common Juvenile Offenses in Virginia

At Whitlock Law, we can help families address multiple types of charges against minors, including:

Shoplifting
Drug or alcohol offenses, including minor in possession of alcohol or driving under the influence
Vandalism, destruction of property, and trespassing;
Misdemeanor and felony assault charges, including in cases involving fights at school or in other situations
Traffic offenses such as driving without a license or reckless driving
Firearm and other weapon offenses
Robbery
Arson
Manslaughter and Murder

We will thoroughly review the circumstances of the offense and police contact and will take every step available to defend against the accusations that a child is facing. We provide representation during every step of the juvenile justice process, advocating for an outcome that will minimize the penalties that a child may face now and in the future.

Contact Our Ashburn, VA Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyer

At Whitlock Law, we understand how stressful juvenile delinquency cases can be for parents and children. We provide compassionate representation to help families navigate these matters. With our help, you can take steps to protect your child and make sure they can become a successful adult. Arrange a free consultation by contacting our Ashburn juvenile crimes defense attorney or calling 703-576-5005.

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Silver Spring Bowie Frederick Chesapeake Manassas Glen Allen Leesburg

Silver Spring Office

8701 Georgia Ave. Suite 610
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone 301-565-1655

Bowie Office

16701 Melford Blvd., Suite 400
Bowie, MD 20715

Phone 301-565-1655

Frederick Office

5100 Buckeystown Pike # 250
Frederick, MD 21704

Phone 301-565-1655

Chesapeake Office

1545 Crossways Blvd., Suite 250
Chesapeake, VA 23320

Phone 703-576-5005

Manassas Office

10432 Balls Ford Rd, Suite 300
Manassas, VA 20109

Phone 703-576-5005

Glen Allen Office

4870 Sadler Road, Suite 300
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Phone 703-576-5005

Leesburg Office

113 E. Market St, Suite 111
Leesburg, VA 20176

Phone 703-576-5005

We serve personal injury clients throughout Maryland, including Rockville, Potomac, Olney, Aspen Hills, Damascus, Hagerstown, Middletown, Bethesda, Germantown, Kensington, Gaithersburg, Chevy Chase, Frederick, Urbana, Clarksburg, Greenbelt, Upper Marlboro, College Park, Beltsville, Largo, Laurel, Columbia, Ellicott City, Pikesville, Owings Mills, Towson, Reisterstown, Essex, Parkville, Randallstown, Linthicum Heights, Baltimore, Annapolis, Crofton, Severna Park, Glen Burnie, Westminster, Sykesville, Silver Spring, Langley Park, Riverdale Park, Wheaton, Glenmont, Highlandtown, Hyattsville, and Bowie.

We serve personal injury and criminal defense clients throughout Virginia, including Arlington, Chesapeake, Newport News, McLean, Herndon, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Reston, Richmond, Suffolk, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Centreville, Charlottesville, Annandale, Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Vienna, Front Royal, Falls Church, Purcellville, Hampton, Portsmouth, Woodbridge, Gainesville, Fredericksburg, Glen Allen, Fairfax, Manassas, Alexandria, Norfolk.

Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.

Cases Tried In:

Free Consultations Maryland 301-565-1655 | Virginia 703-576-5005

Ashburn, VA Juvenile Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Juvenile Crimes and Delinquency Proceedings in Ashburn, Virginia

How Juvenile Delinquency Cases Are Handled in Virginia

Common Juvenile Offenses in Virginia

Contact Our Ashburn, VA Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyer

Practice Areas

Recent Blog Posts

Request a Case Evaluation

Silver Spring Office

Bowie Office

Frederick Office

Chesapeake Office

Manassas Office

Glen Allen Office

Leesburg Office

Free Consultations
Maryland 301-565-1655 | Virginia 703-576-5005