Penalties for Juveniles Facing Graffiti Charges in New Jersey
Graffiti is often related to gang activity, which often means that the penalties for graffiti crimes in New Jersey tend to be harsh. In fact, New Jersey vandalism convictions can result in a criminal record that can have long reaching and negative effects on a juvenile’s life. If your child has been arrested for graffiti and vandalism in New Jersey, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced juvenile crime defense lawyer to examine your legal options.
The penalties for juvenile graffiti charges can depend upon the amount of damage done and the prior criminal history of the young defendant. In most cases, the court will require the juveniles to repair the damaged property or pay the amount of money necessary to cover the costs of the damage. There is also the possibility of heavy fines, school expulsion, mandatory counseling, community service, probation, and in the most severe of cases, jail time.
A Princeton juvenile vandalism defense attorney will do everything possible to either have the charges dropped or lessened so that the juvenile does not have spend time in jail. By calling upon character witnesses and discussing the child’s history, a skilled attorney can show the difference between a “criminal” and a youth who made the wrong choice. Volunteering to repair the damage or doing community service is a good way to have the charges lessened. The juvenile justice system in New Jersey is based on rehabilitation as opposed to punishment.
The juvenile defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have handled many graffiti and vandalism cases involving New Jersey young people. We understand that the stakes are high and that your child’s future could depend on the outcome of their case. Call our law office today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.
