The juvenile justice system handles juvenile crime with specific age restrictions. In Massachusetts, children can be sent to juvenile detention (“juvie”) starting at age 12.
Your child should not face these charges in juvenile court without a lawyer. If your child has been arrested or charged with a crime, you will need the skills and expertise of an aggressive Barnstable juvenile defense attorney to protect their rights. At Nate Amendola Defense, we have represented numerous juvenile clients with success in reducing charges or getting them dismissed entirely; you can learn more by reading about our case results.
A Summary of the Commonwealth’s Juvenile Justice System
The juvenile system in Massachusetts generally has jurisdiction over minors between the ages of 12 and 18, but there are important nuances:
- For most juvenile crimes, children under 12 are very rarely detained and are more likely to be directed to juvenile diversionary programs or receive other interventions
- Juvenile offenders between the ages of 12-18 may face detention, but judges are required to consider alternatives first
- Some serious crimes committed by children 14 and older can be tried in adult court through “youthful offender” proceedings
Our juvenile defense lawyers with Nate Amendola Defense find that courts strongly prefer rehabilitation over detention for juveniles. Even when juvenile detention is ordered, it typically occurs at Department of Youth Services (DYS) facilities specifically designed for youth, not adult jails.
For a free legal consultation, call (781) 740-0800
About Juvenile Records in Massachusetts
Most juvenile records are sealed automatically three years after the case ends, as long as there are no new offenses and the individual has completed their sentence. However, there are exceptions:
- Youthful offender cases (more serious crimes) may not be automatically sealed
- Some violent crimes or sex offenses may remain on the record longer
- Law enforcement and courts can still access sealed records in specific circumstances
- Our firm can help clients petition to seal records earlier in some cases
Even when records are sealed, we advise clients that they must still disclose their juvenile record if asked about it under oath in court proceedings. However, for most employment, housing, or education applications, they can legally answer “no record” once their juvenile record is sealed.
Our talented legal team emphasizes to our juvenile clients the importance of completing all court requirements and maintaining a clean record during the waiting period to ensure their records will be sealed. This protection can be crucial for their future opportunities.
How a Barnstable Juvenile Lawyer Can Help
If you are a parent, you should immediately contact a Barnstable juvenile defense attorney with our team if your child faces potential charges in juvenile court. Early intervention helps our legal team advocate for alternatives to detention.
At Nate Amendola Defense, we take a holistic approach to criminal defense with every client. Your child will have a compassionate and empathetic juvenile lawyer in Barnstable who will support them and fight to protect their rights every step of the way.
Call or text (781) 740-0800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
