MEMPHIS JUVENILE PRACTICE ATTORNEY
Defending Against Juvenile Crime 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 defense 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.
Is your child facing criminal charges? Call Francavilla Law Firm at (901) 979-9992 or contact us online for a consultation with our Memphis juvenile defense lawyer.
Types of Juvenile Crime Cases We Handle
We handle cases involving a range of juvenile crimes, including but not limited to:
- Shoplifting
- DUI
- Underage drinking
- Assault
- Drug charges
- Sex crimes
- Trespassing
- Burglary
- Arson
- Vandalism
- Possession of a weapon
- Evading arrest
- Probation violations
Understanding the Juvenile vs. Adult Legal Systems
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.
Consequences of Juvenile Offenses 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 in Memphis 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 defense lawyer, Tim Francavilla, for the entirety of your case.
Get started on your defense with our Memphis juvenile practice attorney at Francavilla Law Firm.
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"I cannot express how thankful I am for your personal guidance, professional service, and dedication."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
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"Thanks for your kindness and concern with my case."You set the standards that every lawyer should follow!- John
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"Thank you for the “fresh start”"You did an excellent job maneuvering through this mess. Your office is very professional as well.- Jane
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"I really can’t thank you enough."I have never been in such a scary situation, and I’m so glad I finally found someone who could get me out of it.- Lisa
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"I was given one of the greatest gifts of my life, that of my freedom."The end result is that now I do have a life going forward; my professional career will not be destroyed, nor will my educational pursuit of obtaining a doctorate degree.- Jean
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"I am confident that I would not have been able to achieve such great results with my case if it had not have been for your hard work."I really appreciate you being able to turn this into a learning experience that was not detrimental to my future.- Stephanie
Why Choose Francavilla Law Firm?
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I Represent Clients the Way I Would Represent Family
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Certified in DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
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Thorough, Prepared, & Knowledgeable
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Direct Access & Representation from Start to Finish