Salisbury Juvenile Defense Attorney

Practicing Juvenile Criminal Law in Maryland

The criminal justice system for minors is different than it is for adults. Juvenile courts and detention centers were founded upon the idea that minors under 18 years old are different than adults and therefore cannot be tried as such.

However, the long-term impacts of a criminal conviction for both minors and adults are quite similar: Your child may have problems applying for jobs, university and housing, which could ultimately damage their livelihood.

If your child has been arrested, it is important to hire me, Attorney William R. Hall, for help. Whether or not this is your child's first encounter with the law, it is important that you consult me immediately to find out your options and learn what you can do to protect your child from a juvenile crime conviction.

My practice involves a wide array of juvenile crime cases, including:

• Assault
• DUI
• Drug offenses
• Sex crimes
• Robbery
• Theft offenses
• Disorderly conduct

To talk about your child's arrest during your FREE case review, contact our Salisbury juvenile defense attorney online or call (410) 205-1684 today!

My Goal Is to Protect Your Child’s Future

The juvenile criminal justice system attempts to help rehabilitate young offenders, not punish them. However, depending on the nature of the crime, any past criminal history, and the age of the offender, your child may face serious consequences.

Over the past 20+ years of practicing law, I have become very familiar with the way the juvenile criminal justice system works. I know that jail time is not the solution for a young child going through troubling times. This is why I work hard to seek alternatives to incarceration so your child can obtain the help they truly need.

About the Juvenile Crimes Court Process in Maryland

The court takes two paths when handling juvenile crimes cases:

Services and Diversion Programs: Your child may be referred to the Department of Juvenile Services for treatment or counseling. Or, they may be diverted to a program by the police or be informally supervised by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.

Delinquency Proceedings. In more serious cases, or if your child has had multiple encounters with law enforcement, a case can be referred to the state’s attorney, who will file a petition in the juvenile court alleging that your child is a delinquent. A delinquent act is an act committed by a person under age 18 that, if committed by an adult, would be a crime.

• Detention. If the police officers and/or the court believe that your child may not appear for court or is a danger to themselves or to the public, then your child may be placed in detention before a fact-finding hearing is held.
• Detention Hearing. Your child will have a hearing the next day before a judge or master if they are placed in detention by the police.
• Adjudication. Within 30-60 days, the court will hold a fact-finding hearing (similar to a trial), called the adjudication. At the adjudication hearing, the court will hear the evidence in the case. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if your child committed the offense. The state’s attorney will present witnesses and evidence. I will then present credible witnesses and evidence on your child’s behalf. If the court determines that your child committed the offense, it will schedule a disposition hearing.
• Disposition. The disposition hearing may be held on the same day as the adjudication hearing, or it may be held later. At this hearing, the court will determine if your child is delinquent and will decide whether your child needs guidance, treatment or rehabilitation.

At the disposition hearing, the court can:

• Order Restitution: The court may order you and your child to be responsible for up to $10,000 to compensate the victim for property that was stolen, damaged or destroyed, or for costs the victim incurred, including medical or funeral expenses.
• Commit your child to the Department of Juvenile Services. If so, the department will remove your child from your home and place them in an appropriate facility for care, rehabilitation or guidance.
• Place your child on probation under the supervision of the Department of Juvenile Services.

Working to Prevent Your Child’s Conviction

If you need a Salisbury juvenile crimes attorney who is dedicated and passionate about rehabilitating our community's youth, hire me, William R. Hall, P.A., for help. I am known for providing tough representation, and for compassionately supporting my clients and their families through this difficult time. As your lawyer, I will work to protect the rights of your child so their future is not compromised by a criminal record.

If your child has been arrested, schedule a FREE appointment to talk with me, a Salisbury juvenile defense lawyer. Call (410) 205-1684 now!