Juvenile Crimes Attorney in State College, PA

The teenage brain develops through age 25, according to neuroscience research from the National Institute of Mental Health. Yet Pennsylvania law treats some young people as adults in the criminal justice system. When your child faces juvenile charges in State College, the consequences can affect their education, future employment opportunities, and personal development for years to come.

At Terry Hess Law, we understand that young people sometimes make mistakes. We focus on protecting your child’s future and ensuring they receive fair treatment under Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system. Contact us today for legal assistance.

Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice System

Pennsylvania handles most cases involving minors through a separate juvenile court system governs how the Commonwealth addresses delinquent acts committed by children under 18. This system differs significantly from the adult criminal court in both procedure and philosophy.

The juvenile system aims to rehabilitate rather than simply punish. Courts consider the child’s best interests alongside public safety concerns. However, this does not mean juvenile charges are minor matters. A juvenile record can impact college admissions, scholarship eligibility, military service, and professional licensing opportunities.

Pennsylvania law defines a delinquent act as any offense that would constitute a crime if committed by an adult. The charges can range from summary offenses to serious felonies. Each case proceeds through intake, adjudication, and disposition phases, with different outcomes possible at each stage.

Common Juvenile Offenses in State College

Centre County sees various types of juvenile cases each year. State College’s unique character as a college town creates specific situations in which young people may face legal trouble.

Some frequent charges include:

• Retail theft and shoplifting from local businesses on College Avenue or in the Nittany Mall
• Simple assault or harassment related to school conflicts or social media disputes
• Drug possession charges involving marijuana, alcohol, or other controlled substances
• Criminal mischief and vandalism affecting private property or Penn State facilities

Additional offenses we handle involve underage drinking, disorderly conduct, trespassing, and cyberbullying allegations. Each charge carries different potential consequences based on the severity of the alleged offense and your child’s prior record.

Consequences of Juvenile Adjudication

When a court finds a juvenile delinquent, the disposition can include probation, community service, restitution, counseling programs, or placement in a juvenile facility. Pennsylvania courts have broad discretion in crafting appropriate dispositions.

Probation typically involves regular meetings with a probation officer, school attendance requirements, curfews, and restrictions on associating with certain individuals. Violations of probation terms can result in additional penalties or placement outside the home.

Some juveniles face adjudication as delinquent for offenses that would be felonies if committed by adults. These cases can result in placement in a secure facility operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The length of commitment varies based on the offense and the child’s progress in treatment programs.

Beyond court-imposed consequences, a juvenile record affects daily life. Schools may impose disciplinary actions separate from court proceedings. Students can face suspension, expulsion, or removal from extracurricular activities. College applications often ask about disciplinary history, creating additional barriers to higher education.

When Juveniles Face Adult Charges

Pennsylvania law allows prosecutors to charge certain juveniles as adults through a process called decertification or transfer to criminal court. The age and severity of the offense determine eligibility for adult prosecution.

Any child 14 years or older accused of murder must be charged in adult criminal court initially. For other serious offenses, prosecutors may seek a transfer from juvenile to adult court. These cases include allegations of rape, aggravated assault, robbery, or certain drug offenses when the juvenile is 15 or older.

Transfer hearings evaluate several factors. Courts consider the nature of the alleged offense, the child’s maturity level, prior record, and whether the juvenile system can provide adequate treatment. A transfer to adult court exposes the young person to adult sentences, including the possibility of incarceration in state prison rather than in a juvenile facility.

Reverse transfer hearings allow defense attorneys to argue that a case should remain in or return to juvenile court even when adult charges were initially filed. Success in these hearings requires thorough preparation and compelling evidence about the child’s amenability to rehabilitation.

Building a Strong Defense

Every juvenile case demands careful attention to detail and strategic planning.

• We begin by reviewing all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. Pennsylvania law provides juveniles with many of the same constitutional protections as adults, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel.
• The investigation phase is critical. We examine whether law enforcement followed required procedures during questioning, search, and arrest. Police must meet specific obligations when working with juveniles. Any violation of your child’s rights can result in the suppression of evidence or a dismissal of charges.
• Witness credibility often plays a central role in juvenile cases. Conflicts at school or in social settings can motivate false accusations. We investigate the backgrounds of all witnesses and look for inconsistencies in their statements in [LC12]. Character witnesses who can speak to your child’s positive qualities and potential for rehabilitation can influence case outcomes.

The Intake and Adjudication Process

After arrest or citation, juvenile cases begin with an intake conference. A juvenile probation officer reviews the allegations and determines whether to handle the matter informally, recommend diversion, or file a petition for formal adjudication. Parents and attorneys can present information during intake that may prevent formal charges.

Formal petitions lead to adjudication hearings, which function similarly to trials in adult court. The prosecution must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Juveniles have the right to confront witnesses, present evidence, and testify on their own behalf. However, juveniles do not have a constitutional right to jury trials in Pennsylvania.

These hearings require different strategies than adult trials. Judges who specialize in juvenile matters conduct the proceedings. They possess significant discretion in evaluating evidence and determining appropriate outcomes. Effective advocacy requires familiarity with local court practices and relationships with juvenile court personnel.

Contact Terry Hess Law Today

Juvenile charges require prompt action by an attorney with experience in Centre County juvenile cases. Early intervention can be the difference between a sealed juvenile record and long-term consequences that follow your child into adulthood.

Do not delay. Call 814-880-4377 or contact us online now to schedule a consultation. Take action to secure your child’s future and protect their rights during this challenging time.