Juvenile Offenses

CRIMINAL

While we might permit children to do certain things on occasion that are otherwise not allowed, there can be real consequences when a young person does something that actually violates the law. Criminal offenses committed by minors can lead to the alleged offenders having cases in juvenile courts.

Juvenile Offenses

When any teenager or child is accused of any crime, the consequences of a conviction are profound. Even before these individuals have entered their formative years, they could face possible hardships with their college applications or even employment applications if convicted.

Juvenile Defense Lawyers in Columbus, OH | Sabol | Mallory

If you or your child has been arrested in Columbus or a surrounding community in Franklin County, it will be critical for you to quickly find an experienced attorney. Juvenile cases require a special handling, and Sabol | Mallory will know how to fight for the best possible outcome.

We can negotiate a sentence that includes possible probation or a diversion program to help you avoid any jail time. Call (614) 300-5088 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation.

Ohio Definitions for Juveniles

Ohio Revised Code § 2152.02(C)(1) defines a child as a person who is under 18 years of age, but there are certain exceptions. Any person who, while under 18 years of age, commits an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult and who is not taken into custody or apprehended for that act until after the person attains 21 years of age is not a child in relation to that act.

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2152.02(E), a delinquent child is defined as:

  • Any child, except a juvenile traffic offender, who violates any law that would be an offense if committed by an adult;
  • Any child who violates any lawful order of the court made under this chapter, including a child who violates a court order regarding the child's prior adjudication as an unruly child for being an habitual truant;
  • Any child who violates any lawful order of the court made under Chapter 2151 of the Ohio Revised Code other than an order issued under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.87; and
  • Any child who violates Ohio Revised Code § 2907.39(C) (giving false information concerning name or age, or other false identification for entrance to an adult entertainment establishment), Ohio Revised Code § 2923.211(A) (purchasing or attempting to purchase a firearm), or Ohio Revised Code § 2925.55(C)(1) or Ohio Revised Code § 2925.55(D) (relating to purchase of pseudoephedrine product or ephedrine product).

Ohio Revised Code § 2152.02(F) defines a discretionary serious youthful offender as a person who is eligible for a discretionary SYO and who is not transferred to adult court under a mandatory or discretionary transfer. A discretionary SYO is defined under Ohio Revised Code § 2152.02(G) as a case in which the juvenile court, in the juvenile court's discretion, can impose a serious youthful offender disposition.

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2152.02(P), a mandatory serious youthful offender is defined as a person who is eligible for a mandatory SYO and who is not transferred to adult court under a mandatory or discretionary transfer and also includes, for purposes of imposition of a mandatory serious youthful dispositional sentence under Ohio Revised Code § 2152.13, a person upon whom a juvenile court is required to impose such a sentence under Ohio Revised Code § 2152.121(B)(3). Mandatory SYO is defined under Under Ohio Revised Code § 2152.02(Q) as a case in which the juvenile court is required to impose a mandatory serious youthful offender disposition under Ohio Revised Code § 2152.13.

Types of Juvenile Offenses in Ohio

A minor could technically commit any crime that could be committed by an adult. Certain types of criminal cases tend to be more common among younger alleged offenders.

Some of the most common kinds of juvenile cases that Sabol | Mallory handles include, but are not limited to:

  • Operating Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (OVI)
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence & Family Crimes
  • Theft
  • Sex Crimes
  • Weapons Crimes
  • Robbery
  • Burglary
  • Trespass
  • Traffic
  • Minor in Possession of Alcohol
  • Shoplifting
  • Vandalism

The severity of a criminal offense can impact how a case will be handled. Felony charges are much more serious than misdemeanor offenses.

Resolution Options for Juveniles in Ohio

If a juvenile case ends in a conviction, some alleged offenders could face possible sentences to terms of imprisonment and orders to pay huge fines. Many people receive sentences of probation instead of imprisonment, and it is important to keep in mind that an individual still needs to comply with all court requirements when they are on probation as any violation can result in new criminal charges as well as the original prison sentence being imposed.

Ohio Revised Code § 2151.356 provides that a juvenile court can order the sealing of records pertaining to a juvenile when the juvenile’s case was resolved before the filing of a complaint, the juvenile has completed a diversion program, or the juvenile’s case was dismissed. The record can also be sealed when a juvenile applies two years after the final disposition of the case.

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358, all sealed juvenile records are expunged five years after the court issues an order sealing the records, or on the 23rd birthday of the juvenile offender, whichever is earlier.

Columbus, OH Juvenile Offense Resources

Franklin County Domestic and Juvenile Court (FCDJC) — Learn more about the Juvenile Court on this website. You can find additional information about judges and magistrates as well as probation, detention, and services. You can also view a hearing schedule.

Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) — DYS is the juvenile corrections system for the state of Ohio statutorily mandated to confine felony offenders between 10 and 21 years of age who have been adjudicated and committed by one of Ohio’s 88 county juvenile courts. Learn more about juvenile correctional facilities, alternative placements, and regional parole offices. You can also find information on community programs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that served more than 6,200 children through its mentoring programs and Camp Oty'Okwa as well as an additional 823 children through affiliated agencies. Use this website to find information about programs, events, and partners. You can also enroll a child.

Contact a Columbus Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today

Were you or your child arrested for an alleged criminal offense in the Columbus area? Try not to say anything to authorities until you have legal representation.

Sabol | Mallory understands the impact that criminal cases have on young people and works to achieve a resolution that involves the fewest possible immediate and long-term consequences. We can discuss your rights as soon as you call (614) 300-5088 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

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