Teenagers often make decisions based on peer pressure. Social acceptance plays a very big role in their lives. They may do things that they would never do alone if they believe that it will help their standing within that social group or prevent them from feeling like...
Massachusetts considers a person between the ages of seven and eighteen charged with a criminal offense a juvenile. They are prosecuted in a juvenile court. A person who is eighteen or older is considered an adult. The case of such an individual is handled in a...
Youths who get into trouble with the police will sometimes face the juvenile justice system, but that’s not the only course of action that’s possible. Some youths may qualify for diversion programs that help to keep them out of the system. These diversion programs...
When your child faces criminal charges, you could face legal trouble too. In some cases, Massachusetts courts hold parents responsible for their children's criminal actions. Knowing how the state can charge you for your child's behavior helps you protect your family....
A police report about your child can make you worry about the court. In Massachusetts, a juvenile case does not always move straight to arraignment. Officials may review diversion first. Diversion places your child in a program instead of moving the case forward right...
When a young person gets involved with the juvenile court system, the type of conduct at issue shapes how the case proceeds. In Massachusetts, the law separates certain age-based behaviors from acts that would count as crimes for adults. Knowing this difference helps...
When police question a minor, the experience can feel confusing and intimidating. Massachusetts law gives minors specific protections during questioning to keep the process fair and to prevent coercion. Knowing these rights helps families protect their children when...
Teenagers often find themselves in situations where mistakes or poor judgment lead to legal issues. The fear of telling parents can be overwhelming when they’re facing minor offenses like trespassing or curfew violations, or more serious matters. Many young people...
The Massachusetts criminal courts treat juvenile crimes differently than adult criminal offenses. After all, juveniles are still young and may not understand the impact of their choices. Underage teenagers convicted of juvenile offenses are subject to different...
If your child gets into legal trouble that leads to a criminal or delinquency proceeding, can you be asked to testify against them? Massachusetts is one of the states with statutes that recognize the parent-child privilege. This means as a parent, you generally cannot...
