Disclaimer: The information provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not purport and is not intended to solicit, initiate, or form an Attorney-Client relationship.  
Moreover, while some of the information found on this site is based on laws and court rulings, it is not intended to be legal advice and must not be relied upon as legal advice on specific facts.
Law Offices of RL Johnson |  Copyright © 2007 All Rights Reserved.
JUVENILE DEFENSE

    Juvenile Delinquency

In Michigan, juvenile delinquency cases involve kids under the age of 17 who are found within a Michigan
county and who have violated an ordinance or law.   Juvenile delinquency cases also involve certain status
offenses (including home or school truancy or incorrigibility).

In either instance, juvenile proceedings must be initiated before the juvenile’s 18th
birthday.  Jurisdiction usually ends when the juvenile turns 18, but with certain
exceptions, the court may retain jurisdiction until age 21 if the juvenile committed
certain offenses.

Juvenile proceedings are considered civil as opposed to criminal cases.  This means that the goal is not
punishment.  Rather, the goal is to rehabilitate the youth.   As such, youth are adjudicated, not convicted.  
Thus, if the adjudication is for an offense that if would not be a felony if committed by an adult, the youth may
be able to expunge the adjudication.

    Juveniles Tried as Adults

In Michigan a juvenile may be tried “in the same manner as an adult” in the family court either by prosecutorial
designation or by court designation.  MCL 712A.2d.  If the juvenile is charged with a “specified juvenile
violation” as defined in MCL 712A.2(a)(1), MCR 3.903(D)(8) (e.g., first-degree murder, armed robbery), the
prosecutor may designate the case directly.  In all other cases, the prosecutor must move the court to
designate the child for trial “in the same manner as an adult.” MCL 712A.2d(2).

Is the adjudication for an offense that if committed by an adult would be a felony for
which the maximum punishment is life imprisonment? If yes, you may not expunge
the adjudication.

We have achieved success in juvenile cases.  If your child has been charged with a crime, we can help you.  
Please give us a call.
YOU CAN SUBMIT AN INSTANT EMAIL BELOW that will be immediately forwarded to a
qualified attorney who will respond with a FREE CONSULTATION by EMAIL or PHONE.
                                   LOCATIONS:

MAIN OFFICE
Livonia, Michigan
39111 W. Six Mile Road
Livonia, Michigan 48152
Tel.:  (734) 521.2501
Fax:  (800) 597.0284


    Southfield, Michigan
    Call for an appointment:  (800) 597.0284

    Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
    Call for an appointment:  (888) 443-4146

    Novi, Michigan
    Call for an appointment:  (800) 545-8930
Official PayPal Seal
Effective, Compassionate, Affordable Legal Representation
LAW OFFICES OF RL JOHNSON