When police take a child into custody in Columbus, the case goes to a court with its own rules and its own vocabulary. McNamee Defense helps parents and kids through it. Our juvenile defense lawyer in Columbus defends minors accused of anything from underage drinking to theft charges.
Why Choose McNamee Defense for Juvenile Charges?
Your family will never be treated like a dollar amount on a balance sheet here. Colin McNamee is approachable and serious at once, and he defends minors charged with:
- Shoplifting
- Intoxicated and impaired driving
- Drug possession and underage drinking
- Curfew violations
- Trespassing
- Disturbing the peace
- Arson
- Vandalism
- Assault
McNamee Defense also handles many other juvenile offenses. Depending on the facts, our attorney may argue mistaken identity, an unlawful search, or that police questioned your child without properly explaining their rights.
How Is the Juvenile System in Franklin County Different?
Ohio’s juvenile system is built to rehabilitate kids first. Cases are heard in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch, where the rules, judges, and prosecutors differ from those in adult court.
The Franklin County Juvenile Court Process
Most cases follow the same order. The primary stages are as follows:
- Detention hearing: Held within 72 hours to decide if your child goes home.
- Pretrial conference: Our attorney reviews the evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor.
- Adjudication: A judge or magistrate, without a jury, decides whether the charge is proven.
- Disposition: The court orders an outcome, such as probation or counseling.
A child held before the hearing stays at the Franklin County Juvenile Intervention Center. Parents are expected to be present at every court date.
Franklin County Juvenile Diversion Programs
Diversion can keep a juvenile case out of formal court. The court’s Youth Education and Intervention Services runs Teen Court for first-time misdemeanors, and a pilot program accepts some low-level felonies. Finishing that program in 90 days results in dismissal.
How Do Juvenile Charges Affect School and Ohio State Enrollment?
A charge can start a second case at school. Columbus City Schools and the Dublin, Upper Arlington, and Olentangy districts can hold suspension or expulsion hearings while the court is pending. High schoolers taking College Credit Plus classes at Ohio State, and first-year students under 18, may face a Code of Student Conduct hearing.
Juvenile Defense FAQs for Columbus Parents
Parents have many questions after an arrest, and these are the ones that come up most often.
Will My Child Have a Permanent Criminal Record in Ohio?
Usually not. A juvenile adjudication is not a criminal conviction, and many records can be sealed or expunged later.
Can My Child Be Tried as an Adult in Franklin County?
Yes, in serious cases. Under Ohio Revised Code 2152.12, a child 14 or older charged with a felony can be transferred to adult court.
Will I Be Held Financially Responsible for My Child’s Actions?
Possibly. Ohio allows a property owner to sue parents for up to $10,000 when a child steals or damages property on purpose.
Schedule a Free Juvenile Defense Consultation in Columbus
Bring your child to the first meeting. Our juvenile defense lawyer in Columbus will talk with both of you and answer your questions about the court and school. Call McNamee Defense at (614) 782-8889 for a free consultation, or book a time online.