JUVENILE DELINQUENCY     top

Children ages 7 to 16 accused of criminal offenses are charged as delinquents or youthful offenders in Juvenile Court.  The juvenile delinquency system is distinct from the adult criminal system.  There are special laws and rules.  People who work in the Juvenile Court, including judges, Assistant District Attorneys, and probation officers, take a unique approach to cases.  Consequences are different for juveniles than for adults.  You need a specialized delinquency attorney who understands this whole picture and who understands all the other unique aspects of the Juvenile Court too numerous to list.


SPECIAL EDUCATION     top

Students with disabilities are entitled to services and accommodations that would provide them a free and appropriate education under state and federal special education laws.  Some districts honor these obligations more scrupulously than others for whatever reason.  Legal representation is often necessary for special education students to receive what they deserve, whether the issue is eligibility or who foots the bill for services or the type of services.


STUDENT DISCIPLINE     top

Student discipline is a huge concern for parents when their children are to be suspended or expelled.  Many families do not know that children are often entitled to a hearing in this situation.  Having an attorney involved is essential.  Children with delinquency charges in Juvenile Court often have related discipline concerns.  Schools may attempt to suspend or expel students who are charged with felonies in Juvenile Court and those who commit certain disciplinary violations at school.  Special education students are entitled to additional rights under federal and state laws.


CHILDREN IN NEED OF SERVICES (CHINS)     top

Children in Need of Services (CHINS) cases are based on status offenses.  School-based CHINS petitions are filed by schools when students are alleged to be chronically absent and when students are alleged to be habitual school offenders.  Home-based CHINS are filed by parents and guardians when children are not following the rules of the home or when they runaway from home.

During a CHINS case, the judge may transfer temporary custody of the child to the Department of Social Services.  DSS then has the authority to determine the child's residential placement, which could be in foster care or a group home outside the family home.  Children and families need attorneys to explain the full consequences of these cases and to advise on the best approach to dealing with CHINS.


DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES INVESTIGATIONS     top

For many families, DSS is a dirty word.  The Department of Social Services (DSS) is required to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect, though that does not mean DSS believes outright that there is something wrong.  Understandably, families are scared of the potential outcome of the process.  They do not understand what to expect during the investigation.

Clients need counsel during DSS investigations to make the process manageable and to make sure they deal with DSS appropriately.


CRIMINAL     top

Young adults and people with mental health issues are often wrongly accused or accused of minor criminal offenses that should not have lasting consequences for them.  Cases may be dismissed and consequences may be minimized for clients in these populations.