Wilmington is home to a rich history and a thriving economy, but it also faces significant crime challenges. Most individuals charged with criminal offenses in the area are adults, but what happens when a minor is accused of a crime? A Wilmington juvenile crimes lawyer is an invaluable asset if your child has been charged with a serious criminal offense. The team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates can help in this difficult situation.

It’s vital to consult a abogado penalista as soon as possible after you or a loved one has been charged with a crime. However, when the defendant is a minor, a specific set of rules comes into play, and it is vital to hire a juvenile crimes lawyer to help you through this difficult situation. Nuestro equipo en Christina Rivenbark y Asociados provides responsive, client-focused criminal defense counsel in the toughest cases in the New Hanover County Court and can help your family.
En North Carolina Department of Public Safety reported a significant increase in juvenile criminal complaints across the state in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2023, there were 39,341 complaints involving 15,353 juveniles, and in 2024, this increased to 40,433 complaints involving 15,485 juveniles. Also in 2024, the statewide juvenile delinquency rate was 28.3 per 1,000 youth, only a slight decrease from 28.8 per 1,000 in 2023.
The three most commonly cited juvenile criminal offenses in North Carolina in 2024 were simple assault, breaking and entering a motor vehicle, and theft of a motor vehicle. About 52% of all juvenile offenses in North Carolina in 2024 qualified as misdemeanors. In North Carolina, many offenses can be prosecuted as either misdemeanors or felonies based on their severity and/or the presence of aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon.
When your child has been charged with a criminal offense of any kind, it is crucial to hire a juvenile crimes lawyer at your first opportunity. The right defense team can review the details of the situation, determine the most viable defenses available to you, and hopefully help you mitigate penalties. It’s crucial to consult legal counsel as soon as possible after the arrest so your attorney has adequate time to build your case.
Juvenile court proceedings unfold differently from criminal cases involving adult defendants. If your child has been charged with any juvenile offense, it is crucial to hire a juvenile crimes lawyer who understands these proceedings. In the event a child is charged as an adult after committing a serious crime, experienced defense representation is especially crucial.
Some juvenile offenders will be held in detention centers as their proceedings unfold. This type of secure facility is similar to a jail. Juvenile criminal cases unfold similarly to standard criminal court proceedings with a few key exceptions. Your Wilmington juvenile crimes attorney can explain what to expect, and they can also provide robust defense when your child faces prosecution as an adult.
Ultimately, the outcome of any juvenile criminal case hinges on several factors, including the juvenile defendant’s criminal history, mental health, and other variables. Christina Rivenbark & Associates can provide comprehensive support during this challenging situation. Reach out to our team as soon as possible to learn more about the legal services we can provide for a juvenile criminal case in Wilmington.
In North Carolina, a juvenile can be tried as an adult if they are at least 13 years old and have committed a serious felony, or if they are at least 16 years old and have committed a specific offense. Transfer to adult court is especially likely for delitos violentos, such as first-degree murder. In some cases, a transfer hearing is required to determine whether the juvenile can be tried in adult criminal court.
Penalties for juvenile criminal offenses in Wilmington, NC, can include probation, community service, mandatory participation in substance abuse and/or mental health treatment programs, restitution to victims, or incarceration in severe cases. Juveniles sent to secure custody are usually required to remain in juvenile detention centers, such as the Division of Juvenile Justice Detention Center, but some juvenile offenders can be sent to adult prison.
Long-term penalties for juvenile crimes in North Carolina may extend beyond the penalties applied by the court. The juvenile’s records will be sealed, but they can still negatively impact their future in various ways. A juvenile criminal record can disqualify them from certain types of employment, interfere with their ability to serve in the military, or prevent their acceptance into college.
You should hire a juvenile crimes lawyer in Wilmington, NC, because this type of case involves specific legal concepts that are unique compared to what you would encounter in an adult criminal case. Hiring an experienced Wilmington juvenile crimes lawyer significantly improves your chance of reaching a resultado positivo. Your attorney can help you avoid conviction if possible or, at the very least, assist you with mitigating some penalties.
The cost to hire a juvenile crimes lawyer in Wilmington depends on the lawyer you choose to represent you. Most criminal defense attorneys in North Carolina accept cases on an hourly basis. The attorney tracks the time spent working on a client’s case and bills the client incrementally. Make sure you understand your attorney’s billing policy so there are no surprises with your legal expenses.
The team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates has defended many juveniles in cases involving motor vehicle violations, underage drinking, vandalism, and even violent crimes. Whatever your situation, we are confident we have the skills and experience to help you achieve a positive outcome. Póngase en contacto con nosotros to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Wilmington juvenile crimes attorney and learn how we can help.