Edward C. Weber, criminal defense
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Ohio JUVENILE ATTORNEY
Charges · Arrest · Defense · Justice

Akron Criminal Defense Lawyer

Juvenile Court is very different than adult court. When a juvenile is accused of a crime it is considered an act of "delinquency" and requires juvenile court intervention to deal with this delinquency. Juvenile courts have their own special rules and procedures. For example, there are no jury trials in juvenile court and juveniles may not be released on bail.

Juvenile courts handle cases involving children between the ages of 10 and 18. However in cases involving a serious felony or violence, the court may decide to send the juvenile to adult court and try him as an adult. The decision to try the juvenile as an adult is left up to the judge and the prosecutor.

The intent of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation as opposed to punishment in an effort to make the juvenile a well-adjusted and productive member of society. Juvenile court is generally lenient on first-time offenders as long as it is not a serious charge. The punishment for non-serious charges for first-time offenders is generally a fine and some community service.

What are the Consequences for Juvenile Crimes?

The consequences for juvenile crimes will depend on the seriousness of the crime and the background of the offender. The consequences include fines, treatment programs, detention, home arrest (electronic monitoring), formal/informal probation, community service, graffiti clean-up, camp, and incarceration.

Do I Need an Attorney?

A juvenile charged with a crime may obtain a lawyer at any stage of his/her case. Juveniles have a right to represent themselves but it is often a bad idea to do so. If you are charged with a minor infraction and the worst-case scenario involves a fine then chances are you do not need an attorney. If however you are charged with a more serious crime then speaking to a lawyer is a necessity.


Sealing Juvenile Records

Akron , Ohio Sealing Juvenile Record Lawyer

The Law Office of Edward C. Weber in Akron, Ohio handles the sealing of Juvenile Records for clients throughout Akron.

WHAT IS A JUVENILE RECORD?

If you have committed a juvenile crime, a juvenile record is all the papers and orders by the judge in your juvenile court file, and papers relating to your case that are kept by law enforcement agencies, such as the police department or probation department.  

WHAT IS JUVENILE CRIME?

Juvenile crime is applicable to persons not old enough to be held responsible for criminal acts, which includes crimes committed by minors under the age of 18. These crimes can include shoplifting, DUI/DWI, drug charges, robbery, vandalism, truancy, manslaughter, murder, arson, kidnapping, petty theft, assault and battery, or other criminal matters. 

WHY SHOULD YOU SEAL A JUVENILE RECORD?

A juvenile crime on your record can affect your ability to get a job, go to the college of your choice, or even apply for graduate, medical or law school. If you have a matter on your juvenile record, you need to have those records sealed so that you can move on with your life. Sealing your juvenile record allows you to start adulthood on a "clean slate".

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SEAL YOUR JUVENILE RECORDS?

Any juvenile records held by the police, the court, the district attorney, and the probation department will be closed and destroyed. These proceedings will be treated as if they never occurred. If there is an inquiry made regarding your juvenile record, the law requires these agencies to answer that they have no record of this matter. Legally, this means that you were not adjudicated and not even arrested (Note: a juvenile delinquency adjudication is NOT a criminal conviction, therefore, if you are ever asked if you were convicted of a crime, you can truthfully answer "No"). You are authorized by law to say you have never been convicted.

IS THE SEALING PROCESS AUTOMATIC?

No, unless your records are being sealed through a procedure called "DEJ" (Deferred Entry of Judgment). Otherwise, your records will not be sealed unless you file a petition with the court.

Deferred Entry of Judgment means that you have admitted your charges but once you complete the program satisfactorily, the judge will dismiss your charges. The charges and the accompanying arrest will be held as if they never occurred, and your juvenile charges will automatically be sealed.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO GET THEIR JUVENILE RECORDS SEALED?

  • If you are at least 18 years old, or if you are younger than 18 but five years have passed since your last arrest or discharge from probation.
  • You have not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude since your last arrest or probation discharge.
  • You can prove to the court that you have been "rehabilitated."
  • Your case started and ended in juvenile court.
  • You don't have an open civil suit regarding the actions on your juvenile record.

ARE ALL JUVENILE RECORDS SEALABLE?  

Certain juvenile records are not sealable. These include the more serious crimes such as murder, arson, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, certain gun charges, car jacking and all violent felonies. The general rule is that if you were convicted of an offense listed in Section 707(b) of the Welfare and Institutions Code and you were 14 years of age or older at time of the conviction then your juvenile record cannot be sealed.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR SEALING A JUVENILE RECORD?

Juvenile records are not automatically sealed when you turn 18 years of age. Your records will not be sealed unless you file a petition with the court. After this petition is filed, the court holds a hearing to determine if your juvenile record can be sealed. Once these records are sealed, they will be destroyed after five years.Your records will not be sealed unless you file a petition with the court or hire an attorney to do so. 

CAN YOUR JUVENILE RECORD BE UNSEALED?

Generally, once you go through the process of sealing a juvenile record, they cannot be unsealed. However, insurance companies are permitted by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to look at these records to determine your insurance rates based on any motor vehicle violations. If you sue someone for defamation of character, these records may be opened. Also, your records can be unsealed to increase your sentence if you commit a crime under the "Three Strikes" law.

CONTACT A Ohio CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER TO SEAL A JUVENILE RECORD

If you need help sealing a juvenile record, you should consult an experienced Akron juvenile crime defense attorney to help you with the process of sealing your records. Edward C. Weber & Associates have the knowledge and the legal expertise to get your juvenile record sealed. Our attorneys can prepare all the necessary legal paperwork, prepare you for court, and represent you before the juvenile court judge. Contact us today for a free consultation.

MY PHILOSOPHY

“I specialize in Criminal Law and commit to the presumption of innocence.
I am an aggressive attorney who fights hard for my clients. I dedicate the necessary resources to provide the best possible results. As each case is unique, my defense strategy is tailored accordingly. I believe in my clients.

As a result, my clients believe in me. With every case, I am fully prepared to go to trial. My persistence, honesty, and ability to get along with prosecutors and judges prove beneficial to my clients. After thoroughly reviewing all documents, facts, witness statements, and evidence, all potential defenses are considered. I educate my clients and involve them in their case and own defense. A practical attorney, I am direct with my clients about their chances of winning at trial and other options. I know the stakes are high.”

Edward C. Weber, Attorney at Law

 
       

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Some of the terms that pertain to our practice include but are not limited to: dui, child abuse, identity theft, drunk driving, fraud, domestic violence, grand theft, felony, kidnapping, narcotic, robbery, misdemeanor, restraining order, arrest warrant, theft, hit and run, vandalism, arson, traffic charges, shoplifting, stalking, embezzlement, burglary, extortion, bench warrant, expungement, assault and battery, terrorist threat, sex offenses, solicitation, probation violation, suspended license, carjacking, gun weapon, attempted murder, petty theft, alternative sentencing, lewd conduct, drug possession, clear criminal records, juvenile offense, seal juvenile records, prostitution, rape.