Portage County & Summit County Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Juvenile Crimes in Ohio are governed by a separate set of rules and regulations.  As a parent, Attorney Reeves understands that although you do your best, you cannot always control your child’s behavior. Regardless of what your child does, however, you have to be there to support them through the trials of life.  We want you to know that we are here to help.  We have experience dealing with the juvenile justice system and can assist you in getting your child the treatment that they need and deserve.  Here are a few things you should know:

Under Ohio law, an individual is generally treated as a “minor” if he or she has not yet reached the age of majority (18 years).  Cases involving minors are processed in the Ohio Juvenile Justice System instead of the Criminal Justice System.  While the Criminal Justice System is designed to punish individuals, the Juvenile Justice System is focused on rehabilitation.

Since the goal is rehabilitation the police, judges and prosecutors have broad discretion when dealing with minors.  For instance, the police may decide to release a juvenile to the custody of his parents rather than charge an offense.  Moreover, the sentencing options are generally much broader and more lenient than in the adult system. Sentencing may include, for example, diversion, informal probation, formal probation, and, only if necessary and usually only for repeat offenses, incarceration in a juvenile detention facility.