Today is

By: Uchenna Ani-okoye

Viewpoint of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

There are times when a parent that has to deal with the juvenile legal system feels as though they are sinking deeper and deeper into the quicksand. If you are that person, then I understand exactly how you are feeling. This article will discuss the issue from the perspective of a criminal defense lawyer.

One of the biggest issues that annoy both the juvenile defense lawyer and the parents is the rehabilitative aspects that are played out by the state, every time there is a conflict with the lawful rights of the juvenile. Often times you will find that the state isn’t as concerned as it should be when it comes to the child’s legal rights – and in many cases you will find that they will bypass much of the specifics that are associated with the case in order to move onto the punishments or the rehabilitative aspects of the case, much too quickly.

Not only that, but it also feels like the evaluator will have their own unique take on the guardian or parent. I have no real reason why this is the case, although it’s not uncommon for a father or a mother to notify a person who has been assessing their teen or child of something somewhat similar.

“He is a fairly good kid that helps out a lot, though at times it feels as though he is not listening to me, which can be very frustrating, however, I have witnessed much improvement of late”

But what actually makes it into the review that is finally submitted to the judge or district attorney is, “Guardian feels as though the child is not paying attention to him/her and the guardian feels very aggrieved by the actions of the juvenile…”