In the past, it was unusual for an isolated mistake to result in life-changing consequences. Although studies on brain development suggest that human brains do not fully develop until they are 25, the consequences of simple mistakes have gotten more severe for today’s kids. Good kids can make bad choices, and while these mistakes should not ruin a person’s future, they certainly can.
Illinois does not have a minimum age for arrests. However, the police can hold children under 12 for six hours without charges. For misdemeanor offenses, adulthood is 18, although children as young as 16 charged with certain violent crimes may be tried as adults. A diligent criminal defense attorney could protect your child’s rights during criminal proceedings. Regardless if your student is in high school or graduate school, they could face severe penalties. A Chicago student defense lawyer could help your child from criminal charges and related disciplinary proceedings.
While young people can commit the same crimes as older people, certain crimes are more common in teenagers and young adults. These crimes often involve impulsivity, sexual issues, and drug and alcohol. Parents may be furious to hear that their child is accused of these crimes, but they can often be attributed to incomplete brain development.
Young people have difficulty with impulse control, partly due to ignorance, as they may not know the potential consequences. Young adults tend to feel invincible, often thinking they will never get caught, hurt, or even die. A teenager who sees something in a store and decides to shoplift for the thrill of it rarely thinks that doing so could result in a misdemeanor conviction that may haunt them for years.
It is common for kids to experiment with alcohol and even drugs. Since substances impact people in different ways, they may not know how intoxicating substances will affect them. It may also take some trial and error to determine how much someone can consume before becoming intoxicated. Despite the legal drinking age formerly being 18, today it is 21, though very few people wait until 21 to begin drinking.
Sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other sex crimes are serious offenses and should be treated as such. However, it is essential to acknowledge that kids are still figuring out sexual boundaries, what behavior is acceptable, and what behavior is unacceptable. While the goal of enthusiastic consent is admirable, a lack of enthusiasm does not translate into a sex crime. One partner can feel coerced without the other partner engaging in any behavior violating laws. Being a poor communicator who is not very experienced in romantic or sexual relationships should not result in someone being labeled a sex offender. A knowledgeable Chicago student defense attorney could examine the circumstances behind criminal allegations to determine the best defense.
Students often face criminal charges and disciplinary proceedings, which may be more damaging to their future than criminal charges. In a criminal case, the state has to prove the allegations “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The high standard is to prevent people who are innocent from being convicted of a crime; however, those convictions still occur.
A school disciplinary proceeding does not require a “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard. Instead, the standard is similar to that of a civil case: a preponderance of the evidence. The lower standard makes it more difficult to defend against accusations. Students might face serious consequences, including losing scholarships, probation, or expulsion. An adverse disciplinary history can prevent students from transferring schools or entering graduate programs. In addition to challenging criminal charges, a skilled student rights lawyer in Chicago could help students through the disciplinary process.
Parents want to believe their children are perfect. Nonetheless, your kid is a person, and people make mistakes. Even if you think your kid did not do what they are accused of doing, it is in your best interests that you are open to the idea. By realizing your kid may have done something wrong, you can take the necessary steps to protect them and help prevent a mistake from ruining their future.
Schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned Chicago student defense lawyer from Price Benowitz to discuss your case.
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