Juvenile Crimes

One major myth about the juvenile delinquency system is that the juvenile criminal record is always sealed, so that any record of juvenile crimes cannot later be accessed by potential employers, schools or law enforcement. This is not always true.

Depending on the specific circumstances, law enforcement officers or potential employers may be able to get access to a juvenile criminal record — which can have devastating effects throughout a person’s life. Loss of student loans is a prime example of collateral damage.

It is extremely important to enlist help from a competent attorney with juvenile court experience if your minor child has been detained and charged with juvenile delinquency. Not only is the child’s entire future at stake, but juvenile court is different from adult criminal court. Children have different rights than adults, and competent protection of the child’s rights requires assistance from a defense lawyer with extensive juvenile court experience.

Proceedings in juvenile court move extremely fast. Get legal advice as soon as possible after your child is detained by the police, so your child’s lawyer can step in immediately to protect the child’s rights and build a strong defense.

Farrell Weaver & Okun, Attorneys at Law, is a downtown Pittsburgh criminal defense law firm with a major focus on defending minors in the juvenile justice system. Our attorneys provide protective and aggressive legal services on behalf of minors accused of crimes — including underage drinking, car theft, shoplifting, vandalism, trespassing and assault.

We also have extensive experience with “Act 33” cases, in which a minor accused of a serious felony is charged as an adult. Minors over the age of 14 who are charged with commission of a serious felony while a firearm was used will be automatically charged as adults. Early intervention is critical if the minor is to have a chance at de-certification and having the case returned to juvenile court.

Farrell Weaver & Okun offers a free and confidential initial consultation with a Pittsburgh juvenile crime defense lawyer to all new potential clients.

Our offices are in downtown Pittsburgh, one block from the Allegheny County Courthouse, near the First Avenue T stop. Ample parking lots are located in the area.

To schedule an appointment with a Pennsylvania theft and shoplifting lawyer, call us at (412) 201-5159, or send an e-mail.