What to Do when Your Kid Gets Arrested
Getting arrested is a nerve-wracking ordeal for anyone, but when your child is the one that’s in trouble, handling the situation as rationally as possible can become incredibly difficult. A conviction can have severe consequences for their future and could possibly traumatize them.
The last thing you want to do is let your emotions control you and act impulsively with police officers. It’s normal that, as a parent, you want to protect your child, but you want to make sure that you don’t make the situation worse by trying to do what’s best for them. Speaking with qualified defense attorneys can provide you with the guidance you need. It would also be a good idea to keep in mind what to do when your kid gets arrested.
Remember Their Rights
Juvenile cases are similar to adult ones when it comes to your kid’s rights after the arrest. They can make a phone call, they need to be informed of the charges they’re facing, and most importantly, they can (and should) seek legal counsel.
Make sure to inform your child of the fact that they have the right to remain silent. Undergoing an interrogation can be a stressful experience for a minor, and it’s easy to say something wrong that could make them look guilty simply because they’re scared. For this reason, the presence of defense attorneys who have a significant amount of experience with juvenile cases is fundamental.
Stop Worrying About the Consequences
It’s normal to be worried, as you don’t want your child to have a permanent mark on his criminal record from such a young age, but the last thing you want to do is constantly worry about the consequences. You need to be as calm as possible and give your kid all the confidence they need to get out of this difficult situation.
There’s always the chance they were falsely accused, and even if the worst case scenario takes place and they’re considered guilty, juvenile cases can be expunged from their criminal records, unless a serious felony was committed where bodily harm was caused or threats were made. Besides, it would be very difficult to end up in the worst case scenario after you’ve decided to work with criminal defense attorneys.
Obtain Evidence
Waiting until things get better is the worst thing you can do when you’re interacting with the legal system. One of the first steps to take after you’re informed of your kid’s arrest should be to gather evidence that is favorable to their defense.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should abandon them while police officers are still questioning them, but you want to act fast and obtain the evidence needed to protect your child’s rights and prove his innocence as soon as possible. Even if the evidence is not sufficient to get the charges dismissed, there’s still a chance to reduce their penalties.
Let a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer Fight for You
A minor should never lose their freedom or their chances at a better future because of a single mistake. At Hersem Law, we understand your concern for their future and that’s exactly why our defense attorneys won’t stop fighting until their charges have been significantly reduced or dropped.
If your kid gets arrested, you shouldn’t waste time. Seek out the help you need by calling 813-251-7291 or use our online contact form to begin preparing a successful defense and protect your child’s rights.
