Memphis Bartlett Cordova Germantown Cordova Shelby County Tennessee
Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorney

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Compassion and Experience from a Memphis Juvenile Defense Attorney    

It is very upsetting to have your child investigated or charged with a juvenile criminal offense. Minor children are subject to the same criminal laws as adults. However, the process they go through and the penalties they face are significantly different. Therefore, you need an attorney with significant juvenile court experience to effectively handle these sensitive juvenile cases.

 You should contact Attorney Mark McDaniel, an attorney experienced in Juvenile court, as soon as possible if your child is being investigated for a juvenile crime.

Some of Tennessee’s Juvenile Crimes:

Assault

Aggravated Assault   
                                     
Disorderly Conduct

Criminal Trespass

Rape

Other Sexual Offenses

Theft of Property                                           

Harassment

Burglary 

Aggravated Burglary

Arson

Forgery

Vandalism

Traffic or DUI

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Possession or Consumption of Alcohol

Public Intoxication

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Carrying Weapons on School Property

Murder

Truancy

Unruly Behavior

Violation of Curfew Laws

Cruelty to Animals

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As a juvenile crimes defense attorney with more than 30 years of experience and a reputation for compassion and reasonableness, Mark S. McDaniel knows how difficult it is for children accused of delinquent conduct in Tennessee and their parents.

Contact us online or call Mark McDaniel Today at 901-527-6518.

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 The Juvenile Criminal Process

The juvenile justice system focuses more on rehabilitation and education than punishment, and so youthful offenders are much more likely to receive out-of-custody sentences. This is especially true for crimes that are common among minors like drug possession, underage drinking, vandalism, DUI, and criminal trespassing.

Instead of confinement, juveniles may receive:

• Probation
  
• Educational Programs
  
• Therapy
  
• Suspension of Driver's License
  

Confinement usually only occurs for repeat offenders or those accused of very serious or violent crimes. Even when a juvenile offender does receive confinement, it is served in a separate juvenile facility.

Being Tried as an Adult

In certain cases, however, the state can choose to withhold the leniency it usually gives to youthful offenders and will try a child who was 16 years or older at the time of the crimes as an adult. The law reserves this step only for violent and sexually motivated crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and kidnapping. If a district attorney successfully uses this option, the child in question can be tried in an adult criminal court, sentenced as an adult, and incarcerated in an adult prison facility. Therefore, it is extremely important to hire an attorney who is experienced in these cases and can advocate early on in the process.

Juvenile defense is a special type of law that requires sensitivity, practicality, and exceptional knowledge of the programs available to troubled children throughout Tennessee. With over 30 years experience, Mark McDaniel has helped parents throughout the state protect their child's rights and get them the help they need. 

Contact us online or call Mark McDaniel today for a free consultation at 901-527-6518.