Community Service as a Sentencing Option in Juvenile Crime Cases
It is common for penalties resulting from a juvenile crime to include community service. Ideally, community service will provide the young person with an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community, be responsible, and be accountable for his or her actions. New Jersey juveniles will be able to perform their service during non-school hours and may involve a supervised work crew with other juveniles or administrative community service that does not involve a supervised work crew.
Remember, community service does not mean you are off the hook. Juveniles must meet a number of requirements while performing community service. It is crucial that they meet a set schedule and do the job assigned to them to the best of their abilities. Juveniles are expected to dress appropriately and arrive on time as well as follow the directions of their supervisor and be respectful of their fellow workers and the public. Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in an increased amount of required community service or even detention.
Juveniles facing criminal charges in New Jersey would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight to help them avoid jail time or detention. Families who get a skilled attorney early in the process have a greater chance of helping their children avoid detention through alternative sentencing options such as community service.
If your son or daughter has been accused of committing a crime in New Jersey, please contact the law offices of Lependorf & Silverstein at (609) 240-0040. Our Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyers will work diligently to obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today to schedule your free and comprehensive consultation.
