Minnesota Juvenile Crimes Defense
Kids make mistakes. We make sure one bad decision doesn’t define their future.
Juvenile Charges Are Different and So Is the Process
Juvenile court in Minnesota is its own system, with its own rules, terminology, and goals. Cases are handled as civil proceedings, but the impact on your child’s life can be very real. Instead of being ‘found guilty,’ a child can be found ‘delinquent’ essentially the juvenile version of a conviction. The focus is supposed to be on rehabilitation, but without a strong defense, your child can still face detention, strict probation, and long-term consequences. At Davis Defense Lawyers, we walk families through every stage: from the first police contact, to court hearings, to final disposition. Our goal is to minimize harm, push for services instead of punishment where appropriate, and keep your child’s future as open as possible.
Common Juvenile Offenses We Handle
We represent minors in a wide range of cases from one-time mistakes to serious, high-stakes charges.
- Shoplifting and theft (including theft from an employer)
- Vandalism and property damage
- Underage drinking and alcohol-related offenses
- Possession of marijuana or other controlled substances
- School-related incidents (fights, threats, weapons on school grounds)
- Curfew violations and runaways
- Disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace
- Reckless, speeding, or impaired driving
- Assault and domestic-related incidents involving family or household members
- Weapons and firearm-related juvenile charges
How the Juvenile Court Process Works
Juvenile cases in Minnesota follow a different path than adult criminal cases:
- Charging The county attorney files a petition or law enforcement issues a citation. Charges move forward only if the state believes it has enough evidence.
- Release or Detention Many juveniles are released to a parent or guardian, but in more serious cases a child may be held in a detention facility and must see a judge within a short time.
- First Hearing (Arraignment) Your child admits or denies the allegations. An admission is essentially a guilty plea, while a denial moves the case toward trial.
- Pretrial Hearings In some cases, the court holds hearings to address legal issues, negotiate outcomes, or explore diversion options.
- Trial Most juvenile trials are heard by a judge rather than a jury. The state must prove the petition, and your child has the same core constitutional protections as an adult defendant.
- Disposition If the petition is proven, the case moves to disposition, the juvenile court’s version of sentencing, where the judge decides what consequences or services will be ordered.
Possible Consequences in Juvenile Court
Juvenile courts have a wide range of options, from light supervision to secure placement. Depending on the offense, history, and attitude of the child, the court can order:
- Verbal warnings and informal supervision
- Fines and restitution to victims
- Community service and programming
- Counseling, chemical dependency treatment, or mental health services
- Probation with strict rules and monitoring
- Out-of-home placement, foster care, or residential programs
- Short-term or extended detention in a juvenile facility
In serious cases, the court can also consider Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile (EJJ), which combines a juvenile disposition with a stayed adult sentence that can remain in place until approximately age 21.
How a Juvenile Case Can Affect Your Child’s Future
Even though juvenile court is separate from adult court, the consequences can follow your child for years if the case isn’t handled carefully.
- Criminal history that can affect college, jobs, housing, and licensing
- Loss or delay of driving privileges, especially in driving or alcohol-related cases
- School discipline, suspension, or expulsion tied to the incident
- Impact on custody or family-court issues if the case involves household members
- Immigration consequences for non-citizen juveniles
- Emotional and mental health fallout from court involvement and detention
Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile (EJJ) & Adult Certification
For certain serious cases, the stakes go even higher. A juvenile can face:
- Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile (EJJ) The court imposes a juvenile disposition along with a stayed adult sentence. If the child successfully completes probation and follows all rules, the adult sentence may never be executed. If the child violates probation, the adult sentence can be imposed later.
- Adult Certification In the most serious cases, prosecutors may seek to move the case into adult court. If granted, the child faces the same exposure as an adult defendant, including potential prison time and an adult felony record. Fighting certification and keeping the case in juvenile court is often one of the most important parts of the defense.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Charged
The decisions you make in the first few days can shape the entire case.
- Avoid letting your child talk about the case with police, school staff, or anyone else without a lawyer present.
- Contact an experienced juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible to understand the specific risks and options in your child’s case.
- Gather any paperwork you’ve received (citations, court notices, school reports) and keep them in one place.
- Write down what happened from your perspective and your child’s while memories are still fresh.
- Follow all court dates and probation instructions carefully, and stay in close communication with your lawyer about any problems or questions.
Assault
Drug Crimes
DWI / DUI
Expungement
Implied Consent / Test Refusal
Probation Violation
Sex Offenses
Theft Crimes
Interference With a 911 Call
Traffic Offenses
Criminal Vehicular Homicide
Criminal Vehicular Operation
Gun Rights & Firearm Restoration
DANCO & OFP Violations
Domestic Assault
White Collar Crimes
Federal Crimes
Juvenile Crimes
Minnesota Juvenile Crimes FAQ
What is considered a juvenile case in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, a juvenile case generally involves a person under 18 who is accused of conduct that would be a crime if committed by an adult. These cases are handled in juvenile court, which is a separate system focused on accountability and rehabilitation rather than pure punishment.
Can my child be tried as an adult?
Yes, in some serious cases a minor can be certified to stand trial as an adult. This is more likely for older teens and for serious felonies such as violent offenses, certain sex crimes, or weapons-related charges. Whether the case stays in juvenile court or moves to adult court can be one of the most important battles in the case.
Will a juvenile case be part of my child’s permanent record?
Juvenile matters are treated differently from adult convictions and are often confidential, but that does not mean they have no impact. Certain felony-level juvenile findings can be visible, and a juvenile record can affect education, employment, housing, and even future background checks. In some cases, expungement or sealing may be possible, but it’s critical to protect your child’s record from the start.
What is Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile (EJJ)?
Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile (EJJ) is a special status for serious juvenile cases where the court imposes both a juvenile disposition and a stayed adult sentence. The child is supervised until about age 21. If they successfully follow the rules, the adult sentence may never be imposed. If they violate probation, the adult sentence can be activated.
Do we really need a lawyer if it’s ‘just’ juvenile court?
Yes. Juvenile cases can involve detention, lengthy probation, out-of-home placement, loss of driving privileges, and long-term consequences for school and work. Having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer can influence everything from whether charges are filed, to the outcome at trial, to how serious the disposition is and whether your child’s future opportunities remain open.