Juvenile Defense

When a child is accused of a crime, the consequences can reach far beyond the courtroom. A juvenile case can affect a young person’s education, relationships, future opportunities, and sense of identity. At Stein & Markus, we understand that defending a young person requires more than simply addressing the allegations. It requires understanding the child, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and what is truly at stake for the family.

A Defense Built Around the Individual

Every young person is different, and every juvenile case requires an individualized approach. We take the time to understand our client’s background, family circumstances, school environment, and the events leading to the allegation. We work closely with parents and guardians while making sure the young person’s rights and interests remain at the center of the defense.

Protecting Your Child’s Rights

Juveniles are afforded important constitutional protections, and those protections matter from the earliest stages of an investigation. We examine how law enforcement obtained statements and evidence, whether searches and seizures were lawful, and whether proper procedures were followed. When constitutional or procedural violations occur, we pursue the appropriate remedies to protect our client.

Diversion and Rehabilitation

Not every juvenile case should be resolved through traditional court proceedings. When appropriate, we pursue diversion and other alternatives that can allow a young person to take responsibility without allowing one mistake to define their future. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve counseling, educational programs, community service, treatment, restorative programs, or other individualized conditions designed to address the underlying issues while avoiding unnecessary involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Serious Juvenile Offenses

We also represent young people facing serious allegations, including violent offenses, gang-related allegations, weapons charges, and other felonies. These cases can carry significant consequences, including detention, probation, placement, or attempts to move the case into adult court. We aggressively investigate the facts, challenge unreliable evidence, and develop a defense designed to protect the young person at every stage of the proceedings.