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DELINQUENCIES ATTORNEY IN NEVADA, IOWA
In 2019, more than 13,500 complaints were filed against juveniles in Iowa, resulting in more than 18,000 formal charges. Thousands of kids - and their parents - faced Iowa's juvenile justice system.
If your child is the subject of a juvenile complaint, you may be understandably worried about how delinquencies might affect their present and their future. The best way to relieve your stress is to talk to an experienced delinquency attorney right away about your child's case. Understanding the process will help you help your child through it.
At Olberding Law Office, I have 30 years of experience helping parents and their children navigate the Iowa juvenile justice system. If you live in Nevada, Iowa, or in Story, Marshall, Boone, Hamilton, or Hardin counties, call my office today to schedule a free consultation.
DELINQUENCY UNDER IOWA LAW
Juvenile delinquency cases are those that, had they been committed by adults aged 18 and older, would have resulted in criminal charges. These include offenses related to vandalism, drugs and alcohol, larceny, assault, illegal purchases, sexual offenses, and "status" offenses such as truancy and curfew violations.
Children aged 14 and older can be charged as adults if they commit a violent crime. A child aged 16 and older will be automatically charged as an adult for crimes including murder, voluntary manslaughter, and sexual assault, among others. Upon hearing evidence in such a case, a judge has the authority to send the child back to juvenile court, if warranted.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
There are several potential steps in the delinquency process.
Intake is the first step with every complaint. A law enforcement officer collects the facts, details, and records from all parties involved in the complaint, including the complainant, witnesses, accused offenders, and parents. In some cases, the child may be taken into custody by law enforcement if the delinquent act warrants it, or if the child is a runaway.
The officer will then either submit the case for "informal adjustment" or file a petition with the juvenile court. Informal adjustment avoids court proceedings by having the child admit involvement in the delinquent act. The child and parents sign a written agreement that may require juvenile probation supervision, treatment, community service, restitution, and/or loss of driving privileges. In 2019, nearly 2,600 complaints resulted in informal adjustments.
If the officer files a petition, the complaint will be adjudicated by the juvenile court. In 2019, nearly 3,400 petitions were filed in juvenile court.
The prosecuting attorney of the county in which the petition is filed represents the state of Iowa. The child is represented by their attorney. If the family is unable to afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent the child. Both sides present evidence and the judge determines guilt or innocence.
If the judge finds the child not guilty, the case will be dismissed. If found guilty, the case moves to disposition wherein the judge determines what punishment, treatment, or consequences are best for the child.
POSSIBLE PENALTIES
A child found guilty is not "sentenced" as is the case in adult court. The judge might order probation which will require the child to obey an order to do and not do certain things under the supervision of a juvenile probation officer. If the child successfully completes the terms of probation, the case will be closed. If the child fails, a new disposition will be entered.
The judge might order placement of the child in a residential treatment center, foster care, or a state mental health or training institution. The judge could also order the child to be placed with a parent, although it might not be the parent who had custody of the child prior to the alleged act.
PARENTAL LIABILITY
In the disposition of the case, the judge can order the parents to participate in education or treatment programs.
Also, under Iowa law, custodial parents and guardians of children under the age of 18 may be held responsible for certain acts committed by the child. Noncustodial parents cannot be held liable. Parents may be required to pay fines of $2,000 to $5,000 to a claimant. In actions brought under this law, the parents are named as defendants, along with their child.
DELINQUENCY ATTORNEY SERVING NEVADA, IOWA
Your child's future - and your own - may depend on having experienced and knowledgeable representation from a delinquency attorney. Don't leave this situation up to chance. At Olberding Law Office, I have been representing clients in cases involving delinquencies in Nevada, Iowa, and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. Call me today to discuss your child's case.
