Juvenile offenses have unique issues that must be addressed differently from an adult charge in Maryland. The purpose of the Juvenile Justice System is to place a juvenile “back on the right track,” if he or she has committed what would be considered a crime if done by an adult.

There are several pre-court procedures, including meetings with the Department of Juvenile Services. These pre-trial meetings can result in diversion, dismissal or additional preparation if the case goes to court. Even if a juvenile case goes to court, a juvenile is not "convicted" of an offense. While there may not be a criminal record, sanctions in Juvenile Court can be significant and life-altering. The disposition of the case could involve probation, substance abuse education, or detention in a Juvenile facility. Our attorneys are familiar with the Maryland Juvenile Justice System and can help navigate through these sometimes murky waters.

Juvenile offenders are generally charged in juvenile court, and when they are detained, there is no specific sentence. The detention is related to what the courts deem is appropriate for the juvenile's rehabilitation. This can create some extremely challenging distortions in terms of the leeway the court has. For instance, if you are an adult charged with trespassing, you can be sentenced to a maximum of 90 days in jail. As a juvenile, you can be locked up until you are 21, if the court deems it necessary for rehabilitative purposes.