NEW YORK CITY JUVENILE DEFENSE LAWYER

When a child or teenager is accused of a crime, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Their future, education, and reputation are suddenly on the line. The New York juvenile justice system is meant to rehabilitate, but too often, it punishes harshly.

At Hughes Law, we defend minors and young adults throughout New York City, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We believe that one mistake should never define a young person’s entire future.

Experienced Defense for Juvenile Crimes in New York City

Juvenile cases require skill and sensitivity. We represent minors accused of a wide range of offenses, including:

Theft, larceny, and shoplifting
Assault and fighting offenses
Vandalism and property damage
Drug possession and sale
Weapons possession
Sex-related and online offenses

Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a violent felony, we move fast to protect your child’s rights and future. We work to keep cases out of adult court whenever possible and to pursue dismissal or non-criminal outcomes.

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How Juvenile Charges Work Under New York Law

Under New York’s “Raise the Age” law, most individuals under 18 are treated as juvenile or adolescent offenders, not adults. But the court system is divided into three key paths:

Family Court: Handles most juvenile delinquency cases; focused on rehabilitation.
Youth Part of Criminal Court: For 16–17-year-olds charged with more serious offenses.
Adult Criminal Court: Rare, but still possible for violent felonies.

We fight to keep the case in Family Court, where records are sealed and rehabilitation programs replace jail sentences. Early intervention by a qualified NYC juvenile attorney often determines where the case ends up.

Protecting Your Child’s Rights from the Start

Police and investigators often question minors without fully explaining their rights. A child might say something they don’t understand can be used against them. We ensure no statement is taken out of context and no rights are violated.

From the first police contact to Family Court hearings, we guide families through every step. Our goal is always to minimize exposure, avoid detention, and secure outcomes that protect your child’s record and future.

Juvenile Court Penalties and Long-Term Consequences

Even though juvenile cases are not technically “criminal convictions,” they can still have serious consequences:

School disciplinary action or expulsion
Loss of scholarship or college opportunities
Future employment barriers
Immigration and travel implications

A New York City juvenile lawyer can help avoid these outcomes by negotiating alternative dispositions, such as community service, counseling, or educational programs, that keep the record clean and promote rehabilitation.

Trusted NYC Juvenile Defense Attorney

We treat every young client with respect, discretion, and urgency. Evan Hughes has years of experience defending minors in courts throughout New York City and understands both the law and the human side of these cases.

Our firm works directly with families, probation officers, and school administrators to build a full defense strategy. We humanize our clients, showing the court who they really are, not just what’s in the police report.

If your child or teenager has been arrested or charged with a crime, do not wait. Contact Hughes Law today. Early representation can make the difference between a sealed record and a lifelong mark.

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