A Richmond Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Teen
Juvenile charges bring stress, uncertainty, and fear for both teenagers and their parents. The language regarding their crimes can be technical, so those involved may not have a good grip on the consequences at hand. A Richmond juvenile defense attorney can help you understand your options.
Convictions for juvenile crimes in Virginia can impact teens for years to come, affecting areas like employability, educational options, and the ability to secure housing as an adult.
Because the consequences can be so serious, handling these charges on your own is ill-advised; you need an experienced Richmond defense attorney on your side.
Cody Villalon is well-known in the area for both his approach to service and his ability to minimize the impact of criminal charges on juveniles in and around Richmond. Contact him today at (804) 316-0765 to schedule a free consultation and learn how he would approach your child’s situation.
Why You Should Engage Richmond Juvenile Defense Attorney Cody Villalon
Success in Virginia Criminal Defense for More than a Decade
Identifying the right criminal defense attorney to represent your child during their time of need is perhaps one of the most important decisions you, as parents, will ever make. The right person can have a tangible impact on the outcome of your child’s case.
In Richmond, many in similar positions reach out to Cody Villalon for guidance and representation. Consider why:
- Outstanding leadership in Virginia criminal defense. For more than a decade, he has successfully represented juveniles charged with a broad range of crimes.
- In-depth knowledge of the potential short- and long-term consequences of a conviction for juvenile charges in Richmond.
- Proven non-judgmental, direct, and compassionate communication. He’ll explain what you can expect from the legal process as well as the consequences your teenager may face.
- Attention to detail. Cody inspects every element of each case, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.
- Unparalleled reputation exemplified by his client’s testimonials and case results.
Having spent more than 5,000 hours in Virginia courts working to defend clients on well over 1,000 cases, Cody Villalon has the experience, expertise, and track record you need to protect your teenager’s future in the face of juvenile criminal charges.
How Juvenile Defense Lawyer Cody Villalon Can Help
Case Management at Its Best
Cody Villalon recognizes the importance of connection when determining with whom to work to defend your child. As such, he offers all potential clients a free consultation. During this meeting he will listen to your teenager’s side of the story and review police records and other documentation of the arrest. He will explain the likely outcome of the charges and the possible long-term consequences of having a juvenile conviction on record.
Of course, Cody’s initial goal is to have the charges against your child dropped entirely. However, this is not always possible. In these cases, he alters his goals and focuses on advocating for a reduction in charges and the most lenient sentencing available.
Cody’s criminal defense process includes the following steps:
- Investigating police reports for misconduct or improper protocol
- Identifying whether your teens’ rights were violated in any way
- Discerning whether the police violated any laws protecting juveniles
- Communicating with the court on your teens’ behalf
- Completing and filing all legal paperwork
- Keeping you Informed regarding hearing dates and updates on your teens’ case
- Preparing your child for all court appearances
- Negotiating with the prosecutor for a dismissal or reduction in charges
- Building a strong defense
- Representing your teen in court.
While Cody recognizes that every situation and each individual is unique, these cases all result in incredible stress on both teens and their parents. He works tirelessly to help mitigate the anxiety inherent in these proceedings and to protect his clients and their futures. When you entrust your teenager’s case to Cody Villalon, you can rest assured he will do everything in his power to safeguard their well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions Parents Ask About Richmond Juvenile Charges
The questions parents have regarding the criminal charges their children are facing are virtually endless. Below Cody Villalon has shared some of those he hears most often, along with his responses.
Are juvenile records sealed in the Commonwealth of Virginia?
Not immediately, and in some cases, never (like in instances of juvenile felony charges). Thus, teens convicted of felonies will have these crimes on their record for the remainder of their lives.
For misdemeanor charges, juvenile records are sealed only after five years or after the teen turns 19 — whichever happens last. Even misdemeanor charges and convictions can seriously impact the course of a teen’s future. Finally, driving-related charges, such as a DUI, can remain on a teen’s driving record for up to a decade.
What are the long-term consequences of juvenile criminal charges?
The result of juvenile criminal charges is rarely positive. Misdemeanors can impact college opportunities and certain career paths. Felonies affect opportunities for employment, education, and housing, possibly for their entire life.
Can juveniles be tried as adults in Virginia?
Yes, juveniles can be tried as an adult for certain crimes. Virginia courts trying juveniles as adults are required to consider factors like adverse childhood experiences, childhood trauma, and other circumstances that may have played a role in their actions. You need an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney to protect your child’s future.
Can juveniles be sentenced to jail time in Virginia?
Yes, if they have been tried as an adult. In most cases, these charges will go through the juvenile court system. Outcomes here can include release, release under house arrest, or detention. If a juvenile is sentenced to detention, they will be required to remain at a juvenile detention center for the amount of time specified by the juvenile court.
How much does a Richmond juvenile defense attorney cost?
The cost of a Richmond juvenile defense attorney can be impacted by many factors, including the type of charges and complexity of the case. Experience and track record also play a key role in an attorney’s rates. Keep in mind that price can reflect the quality of the legal representation you receive; when your teenager’s record is on the line, the cost of a lawyer is an investment in their future.
Cody Villalon recognizes that you likely have many more specific questions. Contact him to schedule a free consultation so he can address your concerns.
Juvenile Crimes in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Richmond Juvenile Charges Can Range from Misdemeanors to Felonies
The Commonwealth of Virginia regards juveniles as anyone under the age of 17. The Virginia justice system charges juveniles with delinquency charges, which can include both felonies and misdemeanors.
Some of the most common felony charges faced by juveniles in Richmond include:
- Theft over $1000
- Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance
- Multiple DUI convictions
- A car accident that leads to another’s death
- Vandalism
- Drug possession
- Causing serious injury to another.
Even if a juvenile is not tried as an adult, a conviction for a juvenile felony can be accompanied by a sentence of years in a juvenile detention facility.
Common examples of juvenile misdemeanors in Richmond include:
- DUI
- Shoplifting
- Assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Driving without a license or insurance
- Public intoxication
- Possession of a Schedule III, IV, V, or VI controlled substance.
If a teen is over the age of 16, they can also be charged as an adult for felony crimes.
Adult charges can be accompanied by sentencing to an adult jail or prison, along with felony charges that remain on record permanently.
Consulting a Richmond felony lawyer can provide more clarity on these issues.
Possible Penalties for Richmond Juvenile Charges
Penalties for a juvenile conviction depend on many factors, including whether a teen has been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony and whether they have prior convictions on their juvenile record. Possible outcomes of a juvenile conviction in Richmond include:
- Sentencing to a juvenile detention facility
- Sentencing to house arrest under a parent’s custody
- Diversion to a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Probation
- Community service
- Monetary fines
- Suspension of a driver’s license
- Prison or jail time if tried as an adult.
Juvenile misdemeanors tend to be accompanied by more lenient sentencing, but a juvenile misdemeanor conviction can still have a significant impact. If a teen ends up facing criminal charges again in the future, consulting a Richmond misdemeanor charge lawyer can be crucial, as the presence of a prior juvenile conviction on record can seriously impact their court outcome.
What to Expect After a Juvenile Arrest in Richmond
When you begin working with Richmond juvenile defense attorney Cody Villalon, he’ll explain in detail how the Virginia juvenile justice system works.
Your teens’ case has multiple stages. After arrest, a teen will have an intake hearing. The outcomes of this stage can include dismissal of charges, diversion (an order to take further steps, such as rehab or community service), or referral to the juvenile court. The intake hearing is a crucial first step in your teens’ case and can determine whether charges will formally be filed and whether they can return home or will be sent to a detention facility.
Cody Villalon employs a variety of criminal defense strategies, working to have charges dropped or reduced and arguing for the most lenient sentence available. You want to engage a Richmond criminal defense attorney as soon as possible; protecting your child’s rights and their future is crucial.
Call Richmond Juvenile Defense Attorney Cody Villalon Today
Providing Exceptional Representation to Richmond Youth
As a parent, you likely never expected to need the services of a juvenile criminal defense attorney. But, in life things happen and how we respond can make a very real difference in their outcome.
If your child has been arrested and charged with a crime, or you believe they will be, engaging an experienced and reputable juvenile defense attorney is a critical step to take. Parents have many questions when their children are charged with a crime. Whether it’s a matter as common as shoplifting, where consulting a shoplifting attorney might be beneficial, or as serious as vehicular manslaughter, understanding the charges and potential consequences is crucial.
Regardless of the charges your teen is facing, you need to involve an experienced juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible; the value of time to a juvenile defense attorney cannot be overstated.
Cody Villalon’s reputation for providing the highest quality juvenile defense services to those he represents is outstanding. His commitment to his client is significant, and every action he takes is in their best interests. Schedule your free consultation with Richmond juvenile crimes lawyer Cody Villalon by calling (804) 316-0765 today. He is ready to go to work for your family immediately.