In Connecticut you are considered a juvenile up to age 17. Effective 1/1/11, the age of a juvenile goes up to also include 17 year olds.
By law, juvenile facilities are maintained separate and apart from regular adult criminal matters. With very few exceptions, juvenile matters are confidential. That means that the juvenile, his attorney, his parents and any involved court personnel will be the only persons present at a juvenile court proceeding.
A juvenile has many of the same legal and constitutional rights as an adult in Connecticut. For example a juvenile has the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney of his or her choosing, the right to a trial and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. At least one parent or guardian must be present at all stages of this process.
Although the juvenile matter is technically confidential, particular care must be taken to insure that the final resolution of the case will not impact any future school or employment opportunities.
The juvenile has the right to be represented at all states of the proceeding. It is of crucial importance that the juvenile be apprised of his or her legal rights at the earliest possible time in order to avoid further harmful effects of the process on his or her future.
Call the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner for a free consultation immediately.
