Juvenile offenses

Learning that a child is facing criminal charges can bring panic to the parents. Most parents start to worry if a single mistake is going to hurt college applications, job options or other opportunities down the road. A juvenile offense is often a serious matter, but...

The juvenile justice system works very differently than the adult system. Typically, it is not as harsh as the adult system. That is why it is better to keep an accused teen in juvenile court and to avoid the case being moved to adult court. Parents with a child...

Some juveniles who get into legal trouble end up being incarcerated. There is a belief that incarcerating a juvenile is a way for the legal system to rehabilitate that child. However,  juvenile incarceration is often framed as a short-term response to larger issues,...

Teenagers are well aware that they are not legally allowed to drink alcohol until they turn 21. However, underage drinking still happens, sometimes in high school and often in college. Teenagers could be charged with a crime for illegal possession of alcohol. It could...

When teens feel big emotions—like fear, sadness or stress—they may act in ways that surprise adults. Many young people in Washington deal with anxiety, depression and trauma. These challenges make it hard for them to make safe choices, especially when they feel...

A sexual offense allegation hits families with shock and fear. Parents imagine the worst and worry that a single moment will define their child’s future forever. As a parent, everyone expects you to give your child a chance to heal while you protect your emotional...

No Contact Orders are intended to protect people who feel unsafe. Courts in Washington issue them in a variety of cases, most commonly those involving threats, harassment or stalking. These Orders apply to teens as well as adults. When a minor violates a No Contact...

When a teen faces a theft charge in Washington, restitution often becomes a key part of the case. Restitution means the teen must pay back the value of what they took or damaged. It focuses on responsibility and repairing harm, not just punishment. Knowing how judges...

When a teenager faces a vandalism charge in Washington, the situation can feel overwhelming for both the teen and their family. Vandalism, also called malicious mischief, includes acts like graffiti, property damage, or defacing public spaces. Understanding the...

In Washington, cyberstalking is a serious crime that happens when someone uses electronic communication to harass, threaten, or intimidate another person. While many parents focus on protecting their children from online dangers, it’s also important to recognize when...