Teens in Trouble With the Law

If you have a teenager who has run into trouble with the law, you'll have many questions. It isn't easy to watch your kids make poor choices, especially when those choices can have long-term legal consequences. According to Focus Adolescent Services' website, more than 40 percent of young Americans are arrested at least once before they turn 23 years old. Given support, guidance and discipline, many teens are able to move on and correct their errors after a brush with the law.

  1. Why

    • If your teen is facing charges, you're probably asking how and why this could have happened. It's important, however, that you don't allow guilt to overwhelm you. Continue to give your teen the best support and guidance you are able. If you are having trouble working through the emotions of having a child in trouble with the law, consider seeing a counselor or therapist.

    What Happens

    • The consequences related to your teen's trouble with the law will vary depending on what he has done, how often he has been in trouble, the laws where you live and how the arresting officer and court decide to deal with it. In many cases, teens who commit minor offenses are let go with a warning or an opportunity to make restitution. Teens who commit more serious crimes might be arrested and have to face charges in court. Teens younger than 18 years of age will generally face charges in juvenile court. Teens age 18 and older -- and even younger for some crimes in some states -- will face adult charges. In either case, teens are often offered reduced legal consequences if they admit to their crime and plead guilty or no contest. Even in the event that your teen needs to deal with a court sentence, most states' juvenile justice programs are designed to provide an opportunity for him to straighten his life out.

    Legal Counsel

    • If your teen is given the opportunity to make restitution without going to trial or face charges, it's generally advisable to accept the offer. However, it's still a good idea to seek legal counsel to ensure your teen is represented well. If your teen is facing a criminal charge, regardless of what the charge is, get a lawyer. If you can't afford a lawyer, the court system is obligated by law to provide your teen with a lawyer free of charge.

    What to Do

    • As a parent with a teen in trouble, you have to walk a fine line between under-reacting and overreacting. Discipline your child, but ensure the discipline is related to what he has actually and that any punishment you mete out is reasonable. In most cases, if your teen has to serve a sentence, either in a residential program or by doing community service, the punishment handed down by the legal system is sufficient. Be supportive of your teen throughout the process. Teens who know that their family loves and stands behind them are more likely to successfully complete the restitution handed down by the court and move on to live productive lives free of further legal trouble.

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