Juvenile Defense Attorney in Lawrence, Kansas

In Kansas, juvenile crimes include any offense committed by a child – 17 years or under – such as theft, marijuana possession, assault, murder, robbery, and rape. A law enforcement officer or private citizen may file a juvenile complaint when a child 17 years or under commits a delinquent act (crime). If you are the parent or guardian of a child charged with a juvenile crime, it is paramount that you retain an aggressive and highly-skilled Kansas criminal defense attorney to help strategize their defense.

At Chahine Legal LLC, I’m committed to offering knowledgeable legal guidance and aggressive representation to children 17 years or under and their custodians in juvenile crime cases. As your legal counsel, I can evaluate and investigate all of the facts of your child’s unique situation and craft a strong defense strategy for the best available outcome for their case.

My firm – Chahine Legal LLC – proudly represents clients in Lawrence, Kansas, and throughout Kansas and Missouri, including Olathe, Overland Park, and Lenexa.

Delinquency under Kansas Law

Delinquency, or delinquent act, can be described as a crime committed by a young person or child. For the purpose of the Kansas juvenile code, a child is a person who is seventeen (17) years of age or below. Some common examples of juvenile crimes in Kansas include:

• Sexual Assault

• Assault

• Shoplifting

• Drug charges

• Theft charges

• Juvenile marijuana possession

• Driving while intoxicated

• Breaking and entering

• Battery

• Trespassing

In Kansas, the juvenile court has jurisdiction and will prosecute any crime committed by a juvenile. A knowledgeable attorney can walk you through the juvenile justice process in Kansas and help determine your child’s best defenses.

How the Process Works

Here’s how the juvenile justice process works in Kansas:

Arrest/Intake: Upon receiving a report of juvenile crime or witnessing a delinquent act, the police officer will arrest your child and take them to the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC). Depending on the crime committed or the reason for the arrest, your child may be allowed to go home or taken to the Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF).

Detention Hearing: If your child is booked into JDF, a detention hearing will be scheduled within the next couple of days. During the detention hearing, a judge will determine whether to release your child until their next court date or continue to detain them at JDF.

Complaint: If your child is charged with a crime, the prosecutor will file a complaint against them. The complaint will inform you what crime they’re being accused of. A court date will be scheduled for an initial appearance.

Initial Appearance: During the initial appearance, your attorney will enlighten your child about their options. This include:

• Diversion program

• Trial in front of a judge or jury

• Guilty or “no contest” plea

Adjudication: However, if they plead guilty or no contest to the charge, or if your child is found guilty at a trial, they will be adjudicated. The possible sentences include:

• Standard probation

• Intensive supervised probation (ISP)

• Juvenile Justice Authority (JJA) Custody

• Direct Commitment to a Juvenile Correctional Facility

• Serve a sanction at the juvenile detention facility

Unfortunately, having a juvenile record can make it difficult for your child to get a job, attend college, or join the military. An experienced Kansas juvenile defense attorney can enlighten your child about the possible penalties and consequences of their case and determine whether they can be tried as an adult.

When a Juvenile Can Be Tried As An Adult

According to Kansas Statutes Section 38-2347, an alleged juvenile offender shall be tried as an adult (or presumed to be an adult) if:

• The juvenile was 14, 15, 16, or 17 years of age at the time of the alleged offense, and the alleged offense constitutes an off-grid crime, a person felony, or a non-drug severity level 1 through 6 felony.

• The juvenile was 14, 15, 16, or 17 years of age at the time of the alleged offense, and the offense was committed while in possession of a firearm.

• The juvenile was 14, 15, 16, or 17 years of age at the time of the alleged offense, and the alleged offense constitutes a drug severity level 1, 2, 3, or 4 felony.

• The juvenile is facing a felony-level charge and has a prior conviction or adjudication of delinquency for a felony-level offense.

An experienced attorney can enlighten you about their charges and your parental liability.

Parent’s Liability

Parental responsibility laws hold parents liable for specific actions taken by their minor children. Under Kansas law – Kansas Statutes Section 38-120 – a parent may be held financially liable for damages caused by a minor who willfully or maliciously injures a person, damages or destroys property. However, the amount to recover shall not exceed $5,000.

Work With a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney

For a child, facing juvenile crime charges can be a terrifying experience. A juvenile crime conviction could jeopardize the quality of life, liberty, scholarship, academics, employment, housing, and other future opportunities. Moreover, the Kansas juvenile justice system works differently from the adult court system. Therefore, when your child has been arrested and charged with a juvenile crime, retaining a skilled criminal defense attorney who understands the juvenile court system is crucial for detailed guidance and to help defend their best interests.

For nearly 20 years, Chahine Legal LLC has been handling criminal cases and defending the rights of children who have been wrongfully accused of delinquent acts. As a trusted juvenile defense attorney, I can investigate every aspect of your child’s case, strategize an effective defense for their unique circumstances, and refute the accusations against them with factual evidence. Also, I will help them navigate the Kansas juvenile justice system and ensure that they receive fair treatment. Having me on your side can improve their chances of a brighter tomorrow.