Juvenile Practice Knowledge. Experience. Tenacity.

Memphis Juvenile Practice Attorney

Defending Minors Who Are Facing Criminal Charges in Shelby County

At Francavilla Law Firm, we understand the nuances of the juvenile court system and regularly advise parents on how to effectively handle their child’s case. Memphis juvenile practice attorney, Tim Francavilla, has 25 years of experience helping minors defend against criminal charges that could result in severe and long-lasting consequences.

In cases involving individuals who are aged 18 or older but are being tried for a crime that took place while they were a minor, the juvenile court may choose to hear or transfer that case.

Has your child been accused of a criminal offense? Call Francavilla Law Firm today at (901) 979-9992 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Memphis juvenile practice lawyer.

Juvenile Crime Cases We Handle

We handle cases involving a range of juvenile crimes, including but not limited to:

Differences Between Juveniles and Adults Justice System

No matter how much parents try to keep their children out of serious trouble, sometimes kids make mistakes that lead to legal consequences. When an individual under the age of 18 has a run-in with the law, the legal process and procedures that ensure it differs greatly from the adult criminal system. The most significant difference revolves around the goals of the two systems. Whereas the aim of the adult legal system is punishment, the goal of the juvenile system is rehabilitation.

While it might be comforting to know that the juvenile process is intended to set a child back on the right course, the consequences they could face are still serious.

Penalties For Juvenile Crimes in Tennessee

Depending on the specific crime, your child could face a range of consequences, including:

  • Fines
  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Juvenile counseling
  • Home detention
  • Time in a juvenile detention center
  • Driver’s license suspension
  • A criminal record

When Is a Child Tried as an Adult in Tennessee?

The first time a child faces charges for a non-violent crime, he or she will likely go through the juvenile system. If, however, the child commits a violent crime, he or she may be transferred to adult criminal court and tried as an adult.

Juvenile cases are handed over to the adult courts when they involve charges of:

  • Rape
  • Aggravated rape
  • First-degree murder
  • Second-degree murder
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated kidnapping
  • Aggravated robbery

If the State decides that it wants to try a child as an adult, it is required to hold a hearing on the change. A written notice must be sent to the child's parent(s) at least 14 days before the hearing. It is always in a minor’s best interest to be tried in the juvenile system since a conviction in adult court can lead to higher fines and long-term jail time in an adult prison facility.

Contact Our Juvenile Practice Lawyer Today

Francavilla Law Firm proudly provides minors and their parents with aggressive legal representation to fight their charges, whether in juvenile or adult court. When you choose to hire our firm, you can enjoy direct access to your Memphis juvenile practice lawyer, Tim Francavilla, for the entirety of your case.

Contact Francavilla Law Firm today to get started on your child`s defense with our Memphis juvenile practice attorney.

I Take Your Case Personally

See What My Clients Are Saying About Me
  • “Phone calls and emails were always answered, and of course, the outcome was a very pleasant surprise. I felt a huge burden lifted from my shoulders and experienced a few tears of joy driving home.”

    - Sam
  • “You set the standards that every lawyer should follow!”

    - John
  • “You did an excellent job maneuvering through this mess. Your office is very professional as well.”

    - Jane

What Makes Francavilla Law Firm Different?

  • I Represent Clients the Way I Would Represent Family
  • Certified in DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
  • Thorough, Prepared, & Knowledgeable
  • Direct Access & Representation from Start to Finish
  • More Than 25 Years of Legal Experience