Youngsville Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Youngsville Juvenile Crime Attorney

Juvenile crime cases are taken very seriously under Louisiana law, despite being overseen by the Juvenile Court of Lafayette Parish instead of the 15th Judicial District Court. As such, it’s important that you understand your child’s rights and legal options when facing criminal charges to protect them as much as possible and mitigate the potential impact on the rest of their life. It can be overwhelming to take on, but a Youngsville juvenile crime lawyer can help you through it.

The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory has been helping families like yours through complex juvenile crime cases. No matter the nature of the charges, it’s imperative that you act quickly to begin building a defense and preparing for the legal battles to come. Our team is equipped to help you understand the nuances of your case and guide you to the end.

Juvenile Crime Cases in Louisiana

The crime rate in Louisiana was 45 percent higher than the national average in 2024, and the Lafayette Parish violent crime rate is higher than the state average. It ranks in the 28th percentile for safety, which means it’s considered less safe than 72 percent of other counties and parishes.

A facet of crime that many people don’t often think about is juvenile crime. There were a total of 4,850 youths under the supervision of the Office of Juvenile Justice in Louisiana. Facing juvenile criminal charges is serious, especially in the face of Louisiana’s new laws.

As of 2024, children who are at least 17 years old can be tried as adults. This can result in minors facing harsher penalties and spending time in adult facilities with violent criminals, even if they themselves committed a non-violent offense.

Even cases handled in the Juvenile Court of Lafayette Parish are serious. Your child’s actions can have a lasting impact on their life as an adult, despite their age. By working with a Youngsville juvenile crime attorney, you can help them through this tough time with as little lasting damage to their life as possible.

Hire a Juvenile Crime Lawyer

The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory has been serving clients throughout Southern Louisiana for years, working on everything from simple shoplifting cases to complex assault crimes and everything in between. We have been a part of several cases that have helped shape Louisiana law and are intricately familiar with the nuances of all types of criminal cases.

Whether you’re dealing with a non-violent or violent offense in Youngsville, you can count on our team to help you form a sound legal strategy that protects your child’s interests. We are experienced with handling every step of the process, from evaluating the case to negotiating plea deals to representing your child in court. Our team will go the extra mile to ensure you understand what’s going on throughout the process, so you never feel like you’re left in the dark. No matter the details of your situation, we’re confident we can help you navigate this challenging time.

FAQs About Youngsville, LA Juvenile Crime Laws

What Are the Most Common Types of Crimes Committed by Minors in Youngsville?

The most common types of crimes committed by minors in Youngsville include assault and battery, drug possession, shoplifting, underage drinking, and vandalism. The Lafayette Parish Juvenile Court handles a wide range of crimes committed by minors. These are crimes that can also be committed by adults, but are sometimes charged less harshly due to the age of the offender. Speaking with an attorney about crimes associated with your minor can help provide you with the necessary information to move forward.

What Are the Possible Penalties for Juvenile Offenders in Youngsville?

There are many possible penalties for juvenile offenders in Youngsville, but they are dependent on the nature and severity of the offense. In juvenile court, the main goal is the child’s rehabilitation. Therefore, common penalties include community service, counseling, and probation in lieu of time in jail. Some juvenile cases may still be tried in a regular court of law, which can result in more serious penalties.

Can Juvenile Offenders Be Tried as Adults in Youngsville?

Yes, Juvenile offenders can be tried as adults in Youngsville. However, most will only do so for juvenile offenders who are 17 years old. This law makes it so juveniles can face harsher penalties and be placed in adult facilities for both violent and non-violent crimes. Juvenile offenders who are tried as adults lose certain court protections and stand to impact the rest of their lives more permanently and severely.

Can a Juvenile Criminal Conviction be Expunged From the Offender’s Record in Youngsville?

It’s possible for a juvenile criminal conviction to be expunged from their record in Youngsville if they meet all requirements and stipulations. The State of Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice allows certain juvenile offenders to petition to have their records expunged. Most cases that did not go to court are eligible to be expunged. Misdemeanors are also often eligible for expungement. Felonies can be expunged, but only for certain types of crimes.

Contact Our Youngsville Juvenile Crime Attorney Today

Navigating any type of criminal case can be overwhelming, especially when the defendant is a minor. Criminal charges can have a lasting impact, which is why it’s important to understand your legal options and have a plan in place for defending your child. Fortunately, you won’t have to do it alone.

At The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, we offer honest legal advice, comprehensive support, and aggressive representation to protect our clients’ interests and help them secure the most positive outcome possible. We take the time to learn your story and come up with a personalized legal strategy based on the facts you share with us.

Our skilled legal team has years of experience navigating complex criminal cases in local Louisiana courts and federal courts, including juvenile criminal cases of various scopes. If you’re ready to discuss your child’s case in more detail, we’re here to help. Contact our office to set up an appointment with a Youngsville juvenile crime attorney today.