Anyone charged with misconduct is entitled to a strong defense, but when the accused is a child, special considerations apply. Nevada’s juvenile justice system recognizes this reality and is designed to resolve cases stemming from alleged unlawful acts by giving young people the tools they need to correct their behavior rather than subjecting them to punishment. Since 2002, the Miley Law Firm, P.C. in Las Vegas has provided experienced support to youthful defendants in a full range of juvenile proceedings. As a seasoned juvenile defense lawyer, I am committed to helping families understand their options and advocating for a suitable disposition for their child.
Act now to safeguard your child’s future! Call (702) 942-0600 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with an experienced juvenile defense attorney.
ACCOMPLISHED LITIGATOR DEFENDS ACCUSED YOUTHS IN ALL TYPES OF CASES
I advocate on behalf of subject minors on a full range of cases, including situations stemming from purported alcohol-related offenses, shoplifting, gang crimes, malicious mischief and matters pertaining to allegations of:
- Drug crimes — Increasingly, authorities are realizing that harsh punishment often is counterproductive for individuals charged with drug crimes, especially when the person involved is a juvenile. When a youth has a substance abuse problem, juvenile drug court offers solutions that combine treatment with mentoring, family counseling and other services to get at the true cause behind a possession or use charge.
- Sex crimes — Charges involving explicit images or unwanted contact of a sexual nature demand serious counsel from a qualified juvenile defense attorney. Even sending a picture of one’s own body qualifies a young person as a child in need of supervision. Repeat offenders, children who send images of others and youths accused of assault face findings of delinquency and the possibility of detention and sex offender status. In these matters, I thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations to help prevent clients from being harmed by unwarranted allegations.
- Underage DUI — For drivers under the age of 21, even a blood alcohol concentration of .02 percent can trigger a drunk driving charge. This might also be combined with a count for unlawfully purchasing, consuming or possessing an alcoholic beverage while underage.
In these types of cases and others, my firm provides strong counsel for clients in the juvenile justice system as well as criminal defense representation when someone who is legally a child is tried as adult due to the nature of the alleged offense.
OTHER JUVENILE CHARGES WE HANDLE
At the Miley Law Firm, P.C., we provide comprehensive legal representation for juveniles facing a wide range of charges, including:
- Theft and Burglary: Including shoplifting, petty theft, and breaking and entering.
- Vandalism: Destruction or defacement of property, including graffiti and other forms of property damage.
- Assault and Battery: Physical attacks or threats of violence.
- Cybercrimes: Hacking, online harassment, and other illegal activities conducted via the internet.
- Trespassing: Unauthorized entry onto private or public property.
- Disorderly Conduct: Public disturbances, such as fighting or causing loud disruptions.
- Truancy: Habitual absence from school without permission.
- Curfew Violations: Being out in public places during restricted hours.
- Status Offenses: Acts that are only considered offenses because of the offender's age, such as running away from home and underage smoking or drinking.
- Shoplifting: Stealing merchandise from stores.
- Vehicle Theft: Unauthorized use or theft of a vehicle.
- Bullying: Physical or emotional harassment of peers.
WHEN CAN A JUVENILE BE CHARGED AS AN ADULT?
Under Nevada law (NRS 62B.390), a juvenile can be charged as an adult in certain situations:
- Felony Charges: If the juvenile is 14 years or older at the time of the alleged offense and is charged with an offense that would be considered a felony if committed by an adult.
- Murder Charges: If the juvenile is 13 years or older and charged with murder or attempted murder.
When a juvenile is certified for criminal proceedings as an adult, the case is transferred to an adult court, which then has original jurisdiction over the juvenile. The juvenile can petition to have the case transferred back to juvenile court, but only if they can show exceptional circumstances.
Additionally, if the juvenile court certifies a juvenile for one offense, it must also certify the juvenile for any related offenses arising from the same incident, regardless of the nature of those related offenses.
DEDICATED ATTORNEY ADVISES ON PROBATION AND OTHER ALTERNATIVES TO DETENTION
Organized under Nevada’s Division of Child and Family Services, juvenile services offer several alternatives to residential detention within one of the state’s three youth centers. A key principle is that family engagement is a critical aspect to correcting youthful misconduct, so options such as diversion, monitoring and community supervision often serve everyone’s interests by allowing a child to remain at home while complying with an accountability program. This is especially true for first-time offenders. As a seasoned advocate, I make sure clients and their families have the representation they need to secure an outcome that helps youths move beyond their troubles, whether that is probation, diversion or some other type of disposition.
Contact a seasoned Nevada defense lawyer for assistance with a juvenile charge
The Miley Law Firm, P.C. advises Nevada families on juvenile justice matters, such as charges relating to drug and DUI offenses. To make an appointment for a consultation in my Las Vegas office, please call 702-942-0600 or contact me online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common form of juvenile corrections?
Probation supervision is the most frequently utilized outcome within the juvenile justice system. It often includes additional conditions mandated by the court, such as community service, restitution, or involvement in community treatment programs.
What form of punishment is most common in juvenile cases?
Probation is typically the most common sanction in the juvenile justice system. Judges have significant leeway in determining the terms of probation, which can be tailored to the specific details of each case.
