When your child faces legal trouble in Wellesley, the path forward can seem overwhelming. The Massachusetts juvenile justice system operates under different principles than adult courts, and securing effective representation from an experienced Wellesley juvenile defense attorney is crucial for protecting your child’s future.
At Nate Amendola Defense, our Wellesley criminal lawyers are well-known for our aggressive and impassioned defense of children and teenagers charged with crimes throughout Norfolk County. If your child or a child over whom you have legal guardianship is arrested or charged with a crime, call us immediately for help.
Key Stages in Juvenile Court Cases
First 24-48 Hours
We can help secure your child’s release and ensure evidence is preserved. You need a juvenile lawyer in Wellesley to protect your child’s rights when speaking to police, school officials, or Wellesley Public Schools administrators.
Pre-Arraignment
We will investigate the case, identify weaknesses, and negotiate possible diversion options to avoid court. Preparing for arraignment includes addressing bail or release conditions specific to Norfolk County procedures.
Post-Arraignment
We may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and explore defense strategies, diversion programs, and rehabilitation options to improve court outcomes for your child.
For a free legal consultation with a juvenile defense lawyer serving Wellesley, call (781) 740-0800
Juvenile Crimes We Defend Against in Wellesley
Our Wellesley juvenile defense attorneys handle a comprehensive range of juvenile crimes, including:
Property Crimes
Property crimes include theft, such as shoplifting and retail theft. Shoplifting and retail theft charges can follow minors well beyond their teenage years if not properly defended, as even minor theft charges can impact future employment opportunities and college applications.
Vandalism and property damage charges often arise from impulsive decisions but can result in significant restitution requirements and criminal records that may affect housing applications in the future. Breaking and entering charges, even when no theft occurs, represent serious felony allegations that require immediate intervention by a Wellesley juvenile defense lawyer to prevent potential commitment to a juvenile detention center.
Violent Crimes and Crimes Against Persons
Assault and battery charges, along with simple assault charges, frequently stem from school conflicts or social disputes but carry serious consequences, including potential school expulsion and juvenile detention if not properly defended by an experienced Wellesley juvenile attorney.
Criminal possession of a weapon, even for items like pocket knives or replica weapons, are treated with particular severity in Massachusetts juvenile courts and often trigger mandatory school expulsion proceedings alongside criminal penalties.
School Threats
School violence incidents receive heightened scrutiny in today’s educational environment, often triggering both criminal charges and separate school disciplinary proceedings that require coordinated defense strategies. School threats are a major focus for Massachusetts law enforcement, prosecuted with increasing severity due to national safety concerns. Under Massachusetts G.L. c. 275 § 4, a criminal threat can lead to fines of up to $100 and six months in jail.
Many students don’t realize that even joking or private statements on social media can result in serious charges for criminal threats like school shooting threats and bomb threats. Authorities enforce a zero-tolerance policy, often disregarding intent or disciplinary history. These cases typically involve emergency school removal, pretrial detention, and mental health evaluations.
A skilled Wellesley juvenile defense attorney can challenge social media evidence, advocate for assessments over detention, and differentiate between genuine threats and misinterpreted remarks. School disciplinary actions often proceed alongside criminal cases, carrying lasting educational consequences.
Drug Charges
Juvenile drug charges vary based on the substance and intent. Massachusetts increasingly prosecutes prescription medication offenses involving shared or sold prescriptions. Even paraphernalia possession can lead to drug testing, probation, and court supervision, affecting education. DUI/OUI charges are especially harsh, with license suspension until age 21, mandatory substance abuse programs, and potential impacts on college and insurance.
Juvenile Sex Crimes
Sexual assault charges against young people require special care. Sex crime cases can change a young person’s life forever. At Nate Amendola Defense, we know how to handle these tough cases with sensitivity and skill.
Age of Consent in MA: The Basic Facts
In Massachusetts, the age of consent is 16. This means:
- People who are 16 or older can legally agree to sexual activity with others who are also at least 16
- Anyone under 16 cannot legally agree to sexual activity, even if they said yes
- When both people are under 16, both could technically get in trouble, but prosecutors usually look at age differences before deciding what to do
- If one person is a teacher, coach, or counselor, the age of consent goes up to 18
Our juvenile attorneys in Wellesley know these rules and how they affect cases involving local students.
Indecent Assault and Battery Cases
Massachusetts has two main types of indecent assault and battery charges for juveniles:
Indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 is a serious crime. It can lead to being held in juvenile detention until age 18 and the possibility of mandatory sex offender registration.
Indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older is still serious but usually has lighter penalties.
Both charges involve touching someone in a sexual way without permission. When our young Wellesley clients face these charges, a juvenile defense attorney with Nate Amendola Defense will review the facts with your child to understand what happened.
Statutory Rape Cases
In Massachusetts, statutory rape is called “rape and abuse of a child.” This charge occurs when there is sexual activity with someone under 16, even if they agree to it. Massachusetts does not have a Romeo and Juliet law that provides exceptions for close-in-age relationships.
These cases can be complicated for juvenile offenders in Wellesley:
- When both people are under 16, but only one minor is charged
- When the accused is over 16 but the other person is under 16
- When a relationship started legally but one person turned 16 while the other was still under 16
Massachusetts doesn’t have a special law for couples close in age. At Nate Amendola Defense, we know how to argue for fair treatment in these cases involving teenagers.
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and Child Pornography Cases
With smartphones everywhere, more young people are facing charges for creating, having, or sharing explicit images of themselves or other minors. This is often called “sexting” when it happens between peers. Law enforcement and prosecutors are increasingly using the term Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) rather than “child pornography” to emphasize the serious nature of these crimes and the harm to minors depicted in such material.
Under Massachusetts law, having or sharing sexual images of anyone under 18 constitutes possession or distribution of CSAM or child pornography, even if:
- The person took pictures of themselves
- The images were shared with permission
- The person in possession of the images is the same age or younger than the person in the images
- The young person thought this was normal teenage behavior
Our Wellesley juvenile lawyers understand that many cases involving teenagers stem from poor judgment rather than predatory behavior. At Nate Amendola Defense, we have helped many juveniles get into education programs instead of facing criminal charges for these actions. We work to distinguish between cases involving genuine exploitation and those arising from typical teenage behavior in the digital age.
Revenge Porn Cases
Massachusetts now has laws against “revenge porn” – sharing private sexual images to hurt or embarrass someone. Young people accused of this can face serious consequences.
Juvenile revenge porn cases often involve:
- Sharing private images after a breakup
- Posting images in group chats or social media
- Sharing images that were originally sent privately
- Threatening to share images unless the person does what they want
Our juvenile defense attorneys in Wellesley understand how technology, teen development, and the law come together in these cases.
Wellesley Juvenile Defense Lawyer Near Me (781) 740-0800
How We Handle Juvenile Sex Crimes
When we represent young people accused of sex offenses our team:
- Acts quickly: We talk to prosecutors early to keep your child out of detention.
- Investigates thoroughly: We look at all evidence, including text messages and social media.
- Works with experts: We use mental health professionals and other experts to explain your child’s side.
- Protects your child’s privacy: We take every measure to keep your child’s information private.
- Seeks alternatives: We seek to get your child into programs that teach rather than punish.
- Provides education: We help families understand what happened and how to prevent future problems.
- Protects the future: We work to minimize effects on school, housing, and future opportunities.
We know that most young people accused of sexual assault aren’t predators. They’re often confused about boundaries or giving in to peer pressure. We defend them aggressively while also connecting their families with help for any underlying issues.
If your child is facing sex crime charges in juvenile court, call Nate Amendola Defense right away for a private meeting with lawyers who understand these sensitive cases.
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The Hidden Impact of Juvenile Records in Massachusetts
Many parents mistakenly believe juvenile records automatically disappear at age 18 in Massachusetts. Without proper legal intervention, these records can prevent college admission, disqualify students from financial aid, create housing barriers, limit employment opportunities, and impact future adult criminal cases.
Our Wellesley juvenile defense lawyers specialize in record sealing and expungement to ensure a minor’s mistakes don’t become permanent obstacles.
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Our Approach: Combining Juvenile Justice with Holistic Support
At Nate Amendola Defense, what sets our Wellesley juvenile defense attorneys apart is our comprehensive approach:
- Thorough case evaluation: We examine every aspect of the allegations and evidence
- Personalized defense strategy: Each defense plan is tailored to the specific circumstances and needs of the individual child
- Family involvement: We will keep parents informed every step of the way and engaged throughout the process
- Educational advocacy: Protecting your child’s right to education during legal proceedings, including coordination with Wellesley Public Schools when necessary
- Mental health coordination: Connecting families with appropriate assessment and treatment resources in the Wellesley area
- Long-term planning: Looking beyond the immediate case to safeguard future opportunities
- This multifaceted approach addresses the legal charges against your child and the underlying factors that may have contributed to the situation.
Representing Juvenile Offenders
Having a compassionate legal advocate can make a difference in reducing or dismissing criminal charges. Our Wellesley juvenile defense lawyers understand that juvenile law differs significantly from adult criminal law in several important ways:
- Focus on rehabilitation: The primary goal is helping young people overcome challenges rather than punishment
- Confidentiality protections: Juvenile proceedings are generally closed to the public
- Different terminology: The system uses terms like “delinquency” rather than “criminal charges”
- Alternative resolution options: Diversion programs are often available for first-time offenders
- Specialized juvenile court system: Cases are heard by judges with expertise in juvenile matters
- Our juvenile defense attorneys in Wellesley have dedicated their careers to understanding these nuances. This specialized knowledge allows us to navigate the juvenile court system effectively while advocating for your child’s best interests at every stage.
Why Juvenile Cases Require Specialized Defense Strategies
Juvenile court cases involve distinct legal strategies and considerations that general criminal defense attorneys may not possess. At Nate Amendola Defense, a dedicated juvenile lawyer in Wellesley with our team brings several advantages:
- Knowledge of juvenile-specific defenses: Understanding developmental factors that may impact culpability
- Relationships with juvenile court personnel: Familiarity with juvenile court judges and prosecutors in the Norfolk County area
- Experience with diversion programs: Awareness of alternative resolution options available to Wellesley families
- Understanding of collateral consequences: Protecting against impacts on education, housing, and future opportunities
- Familiarity with mental health resources: Connecting families with appropriate local support services
Our team of Wellesley juvenile defense attorneys combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach designed specifically for young people facing legal challenges in the community.
Taking the First Step: Consulting with a Wellesley Juvenile Defense Lawyer
If your child is facing charges in the Massachusetts juvenile system, time is of the essence. Contact Nate Amendola Defense today to schedule a confidential consultation with a dedicated Wellesley juvenile defense attorney. During this meeting, we will:
- Listen to your concerns without judgment
- Explain how Massachusetts juvenile law applies to your situation
- Outline potential defense strategies specific to your child’s case
- Answer your questions about the juvenile court process
- Discuss immediate steps to protect your child’s interests
- Address any concerns specific to Wellesley Public Schools or local community impact
We are ready to guide your family through this challenging time with expertise, compassion, and unwavering advocacy.
Contact a Wellesley Juvenile Defense Lawyer Now
Protect your child’s rights today by calling our office or completing our online contact form to arrange your free, confidential consultation with the team at Nate Amendola Defense. When your child is facing the challenges in the juvenile justice system, you need a team of legal professionals who understand both the law and the community. Let us help protect your child’s future.
Call or text (781) 740-0800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
