criminal defense for students

Minor students ages 10 and up can be charged with a crime in Ohio, and the potential penalties for a juvenile span a wide spectrum of minor to major consequences, which include but are not limited to probation, house arrest, reporting as a sex offender, and incarceration up to the age of 21. Although, juvenile criminal records are sealed by operation of law, a juvenile criminal conviction can still trigger suspension or expulsion at school, and can haunt the juvenile into adulthood under certain circumstances.. 

If your child has been charged with a crime, it is critical that you seek competent legal representation as soon as possible; in fact, it is ideal that you retain legal counsel during the criminal investigation before charges are filed. This is because your child should not be making any statements to law enforcement without counsel, as even the most innocent denials can later cause devastating consequences in court. Keep in mind that most school resource officers in Ohio are deputized law enforcement officers, so this same advice is applicable to your child interviewing with the school resource officer at school. Even if your child has not been charged with a crime, it is advisable to have a conversation with them about how to handle themselves if they are accused of a crime at school, or if they are questioned about a possible crime at school. 

At Albeit Masters we have extensive experience in juvenile criminal defense, and our additional experience in education law enables us to offer comprehensive advice and representation to your child. If your child is charged with a crime or is being investigated by the police, call us as soon as possible, and refrain from making statements to law enforcement until we are able to confer.