It is always a worrisome sign when your child is charged with a crime in Mississippi. Some might
argue that this is “just part of growing up,” but these matters must be approached in a serious
manner. In today’s world, children are subject to incredible levels of pressure and stress due to
social media, COVID restrictions, and other factors. When a minor commits the crime of assault,
they often do so at school or among their peers. While these matters are often handled without
getting the authorities involved, sometimes criminal charges are pressed. So, what happens next?
What should you do if you find yourself in this situation?
Your first step should be to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney in Mississippi. Our
legal professionals can assess your unique situation before recommending the best course of
action. With the assistance of a defense attorney, you can fight for your child’s rights and
freedoms while minimizing any potential consequences. It is important to get in touch with an
attorney as soon as possible if your child is facing charges of any kind.
Will My Child be Charged as an Adult?
Whenever someone is charged with a crime and they are under the age of 18, the courts must
decide whether to try them as a juvenile or as an adult. The best-case scenario for the defendant
is obviously to be charged as a juvenile, since these cases are redirected to the Mississippi State
Youth Court, where the standards are lower and the penalties generally less strict.
If your child ends up in Youth Court, they will likely face a relatively straightforward hearing
that does not follow the same rules as a normal court. Juveniles do not have the same
constitutional rights as adults. Common sentences for Youth Court defendants include
community service, juvenile detention, and counseling.
For a juvenile to be tried as an adult, the crime must be quite serious in nature. In the context of
an assault, this usually means committing the crime with a deadly weapon or with reckless
indifference to the value of human life. This is certainly possible in today’s era, where teens can
easily get their hands on firearms and other deadly weapons.
CHINS Offenses
A child may also be charged with a CHINS offense. This occurs when minors go before the
Youth Court and the judge determines that they are a “Child in Need of Supervision.” This
means that the child is not technically breaking any laws, but shows a dire need for greater supervision. In other words, the lack of parental supervision is primarily to blame for the child’s
actions.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified criminal defense attorney, look no
further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants strive
for positive results, including those who have been charged with assault. Book your consultation
today, and we can immediately start working on effective defense strategies based on your
specific situation.