Is Someone Pressing Charges Against Your Child for Theft or Other Crimes?

While on the surface this may seem like not really a big deal it can be a life-changing event for you and the minor. Like elsewhere in the nation, Nevada takes into consideration the age of a child and the egregiousness of the offense.

In addition, there exist a large difference between petty theft and grand theft—especially if there was a weapon or force used. Nevada laws give detailed definitions of theft and of grand theft and classify all its theft offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies based on the value of the property that has allegedly been taken during the offense.

The difference here is that unless a minor is charged as an adult, the punishment for specific crimes is not the same as that for an adult. Juvenile court has jurisdiction if a person is under eighteen. The juvenile courts also have jurisdiction over cases involving people 21 and under for unlawful acts the individual committed before his 18th birthday.

If your child has been accused of breaking the law, you must to take this situation seriously and contact us today to protect your child’s rights.  Juvenile courts have the authority to impose serious life-changing consequences.

How is Theft Punishment Determined for a Minor?

For the sake of simplicity, in Nevada, theft is charged as a misdemeanor if the value of the goods or services taken is less than $250. (Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 205.0835.) Petty theft, is a misdemeanor under Nevada law. Any theft above that amount is determined to be a certain class of felony depending the amount and the severity of the crime. However, once again, if your child is not charged as an adult, these clarifications do not apply.

The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that normal statutory and criminal procedural protocols found in adult court do not apply in juvenile court which do not have jury trials. Moreover, all matters that come before the juvenile court are not considered criminal.

Aren’t Nevada’s Juvenile Courts Child Friendly?

With this in mind, it is vital you call us today if your child has charges forthcoming from an alleged theft. It doesn’t matter if it is shoplifting or car theft, you need the best defense possible for the best possible outcome. While juvenile courts are supposed to have the child’s interest at heart, they are also supposed to balance the scales of justice with the victim’s in consideration and can come down hard if they deem it necessary. Nevada’s juvenile detention facilities are no joke and can end up destroying your child’s chances of rehabilitation.

Contact us today to let us know how we can help get you peace of mind and your child back on the path of redemption.