Are there any special considerations in criminal defense cases involving juveniles?

Yes, there are special considerations that must be taken into account when handling criminal defense cases involving juveniles in North Carolina. To begin with, the law assumes that juveniles are not as culpable as adults due to their age, lack of maturity and life experience. This means that courts may be more lenient when it comes to sentencing, and punishments may focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. Additionally, the laws surrounding criminal defense cases involving juveniles allow for more flexibility when it comes to the trial proceedings. For example, there may be additional time allowed for an attorney to negotiate a plea bargain, and juveniles can also often testify outside of the courtroom, limiting the number of times that they have to appear in court. In addition, the court may order that juveniles attend counseling sessions, complete community service, and refrain from certain activities. These can be used as alternatives to jail time. In addition, juvenile defendants can often enter into a diversionary program, which would allow them to avoid jail time and have their record cleared upon completion. Overall, criminal defense cases involving juveniles require special considerations and can be very complex. It is important that an attorney specializes in juvenile cases in order to fully understand the implications of different legal strategies. It is also important to remember that juveniles are still held responsible for their actions and that the justice system takes a serious view of these cases.

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