Juvenile Criminal Defense

In Louisiana, individuals between the ages of 10 and 16* may be charged with any criminal offense – including traffic offenses – as adults. It is important to understand the rights of the juvenile arrestee who must navigate the juvenile court system. Be sure to contact an attorney immediately, BEFORE you talk to the police. As a former prosecutor in Juvenile Court in Jefferson Parish, Ryan Cox has personally prosecuted misdemeanor cases, felony cases and traffic offenses regarding juvenile offenders.

As a Criminal Defense Attorney, it is imperative when seeking assistance for those charged with juvenile crimes and offenses to receive knowledgeable counsel. While misdemeanor and felony charges may be brought under the same statutes for juveniles as adults, the system in which they are handled is quite different. Also, for many felony and misdemeanor offenses, the penalties may be different for juveniles than for adults.

Juvenile traffic tickets are also managed through the juvenile court system, and so assistance sought for those offenses should also be from someone with knowledge of the system. Please contact the office of Ryan Cox for a free consultation when dealing with criminal or traffic charges rendered against a juvenile. His experience can help. Simply fill out this form or call 504.361.7720 today for a no-fee legal consultation.

If you are the guardian of a child who has been charged with a crime, speak with Ryan Cox to learn more about Louisiana’s juvenile laws, FINS (Families in Need of Services) cases, CINC (Child in Need of Care) cases and Jefferson Parish’s juvenile criminal court. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can figure out how your child might be charged and what happens to your child’s record if he or she is convicted of a misdemeanor or felony.

Hearings in Jefferson Parish are set within 48 hours of the arrest of a youth. The Rivarde Juvenile Detention Center is located at 1546 Gretna Blvd. at Manhattan Blvd. on the Westbank. You may contact the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court at 504.361.7720. It is important to have an attorney present at every stage of the process to protect your rights.

*This refers to “regular” court. Some juveniles under the age of majority (16) may be processed through the adult criminal court system, depending on many factors.