Posted On: May 11, 2011 by Lependorf & Silverstein

What is the Juvenile Transitional Service in New Jersey?

The purpose of the New Jersey juvenile court system is to rehabilitate young offenders and not to simply punish them. New Jersey has an Office of Juvenile Parole and Transitional Services to help juveniles back into their communities after they have served a sentence. Transitional services officials review the circumstances of each case to determine the level of supervision the juvenile may require. Whether the juvenile requires intensive or minimum supervision, the goal is to safely integrate youths back into society.

The Juvenile Transitional Services meet with a juvenile numerous times immediately following a juvenile court proceeding. Depending upon the severity of the crime and the prior criminal history of the youth, the Juvenile Transitional Services may impose a number of restrictions on the offenders after they serve their sentence. For example, many juveniles who have been paroled face strict curfews and drug and alcohol screenings. In some cases, the transitional service will play an active role in monitoring the juvenile to make sure that no further criminal acts are being committed.

The New Jersey Juvenile Transitional Service has good intentions but it does impose potentially significant restrictions on young individuals who did not commit serious crimes. If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges in New Jersey, it may be in your best interests to consult with an experienced juvenile crime defense lawyer, who can advise you on the best course of action for the situation.

The Princeton juvenile defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help families protect their children’s future. We provide no-cost case consultations at 609-240-0040. Call us today to find out how we can help.