When your child faces criminal charges, the decisions you make now matter. A juvenile record can affect college admissions, employment opportunities, and professional licensing. Bruno Law Offices understands the stakes. Our experienced juvenile crimes defense attorneys serve clients in Bloomington, Normal, and throughout McLean County. We work to protect your child’s rights and future. We focus on defense strategies while exploring every option to minimize record impact.
Why Choose Bruno Law Offices for Your Child’s Defense
Your child deserves a defense team that understands the law and the juvenile justice system. Bruno Law Offices has defended young people facing criminal charges for 45 years. Our family-operated firm was founded in 1980. We focus exclusively on criminal defense, nothing else. This focus means our attorneys know the local courts, judges, and prosecutors in McLean County well.
Our team includes experienced attorneys with significant credentials. Anthony Bruno serves on the Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel, representing clients in federal cases. He is recognized on Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell for his criminal defense work. Evan Bruno previously clerked for the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court. He serves in leadership roles with the Illinois State Bar Association, including Chairman of the Human Rights Section Council and Cannabis Law Section Council. He is also listed on Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell as a recognized criminal defense attorney. Additional experienced Bloomington criminal defense attorneys on our team are dedicated to juvenile representation.
This appellate background helps when fighting to keep your child’s case in juvenile court. We handle cases with care and attention to detail. Our approach combines strong defense with a commitment to rehabilitation and second chances.
We investigate thoroughly. We challenge evidence. We negotiate with prosecutors. We prepare for trial when necessary. For example, we secured an aggravated DUI jury verdict of not guilty for an 18-year-old high school athlete, demonstrating our commitment to protecting young people’s futures. Every case receives personalized attention from attorneys who understand that your child’s situation matters.
Understanding Juvenile Crimes in Illinois
How Juvenile Court Differs from Adult Court
Illinois juvenile court operates under a different philosophy than adult criminal court. The juvenile system focuses on rehabilitation and the child’s best interests. Adult court emphasizes punishment. This distinction matters for your child’s future.
Key differences between juvenile and adult courts include:
- Confidentiality – Juvenile proceedings remain confidential; adult proceedings are public
- Records – Juvenile records can be sealed or expunged; adult records are permanent
- Sentencing – Juvenile sentences emphasize treatment and education; adult sentences emphasize punishment
- Incarceration – Juvenile detention focuses on rehabilitation; adult prison emphasizes confinement
- Future Impact – Sealed juvenile records provide a second chance; adult records follow you forever
In juvenile court, records can be sealed or expunged. This allows your child a second chance. However, if your child is charged as an adult, they face adult penalties. They may serve time in an adult prison. They receive a permanent criminal record that follows them. Understanding when juveniles are tried as adults is critical to your defense strategy.
Types of Juvenile Charges We Handle
Young people face charges across the criminal spectrum. Bruno Law Offices defends juveniles in a wide range of cases, including:
- Drug offenses (possession and distribution)
- Theft and shoplifting cases
- Assault and battery charges
- DUI and underage drinking offenses
- Sex crimes
- Weapons charges
- Serious felonies
Whatever the charge, Bruno Law Offices brings experience and dedication to your child’s defense. We understand the unique challenges young people face in the criminal justice system. Our Bloomington juvenile defense team has successfully handled cases involving all these offense categories.
The Impact of a Juvenile Criminal Record
Many parents underestimate how a juvenile conviction affects their child’s future. A juvenile record can impact college plans. Universities review disciplinary history and criminal records during admissions. Scholarships may disappear. Graduate school becomes harder to access.
Employment suffers too. Many employers conduct background checks. They ask about criminal history. A juvenile conviction can eliminate job opportunities. This is especially true in fields requiring professional licenses. Professional licensing in law, medicine, nursing, and other fields may require disclosure of juvenile adjudications. This applies only if records have not been sealed or expunged. Once sealed or expunged, these records are confidential. You need not disclose them during the licensing application process.
Military service may be unavailable to those with certain serious criminal convictions. However, many convictions are waivable. Juvenile convictions receive more lenient treatment than adult convictions. Serious offenses like violent crimes, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and murder are typically non-waivable disqualifiers. According to federal statute 10 U.S.C. 504, military eligibility standards vary by offense type.
This is why strong defense matters. By fighting charges, negotiating reductions, or exploring diversion programs, we work to minimize or eliminate record impact. Record sealing and expungement provide additional tools to protect your child’s future opportunities. Understanding your options for juvenile record expungement is essential to your case strategy.
Our Approach to Juvenile Defense
Bruno Law Offices examines every case carefully. We conduct thorough investigations. We examine police procedures. We challenge evidence. We identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative resolutions. We explore diversion programs and rehabilitation options. These options keep your child out of the criminal justice system entirely.
Our defense strategy includes:
- Thorough investigation of all facts and circumstances
- Examination of police procedures and evidence collection
- Challenge of the prosecution’s case weaknesses through motion practice
- Negotiation with prosecutors for reduced charges
- Exploration of diversion programs and rehabilitation options
- Trial preparation when necessary
- Appellate representation if needed
When necessary, we prepare cases for trial. Our appellate experience helps us understand how to preserve issues for appeal. We build records that withstand appellate scrutiny. We focus on rehabilitation and second chances. We believe young people deserve opportunities to learn from mistakes and move forward. Our appellate background allows your child’s case to be handled at the highest level.
Keeping Your Child’s Case in Juvenile Court
One of the most critical battles in juvenile defense involves preventing transfer to adult court. Illinois law allows prosecutors to charge juveniles as adults in certain circumstances. An adult conviction carries adult penalties. This means potentially years in prison. It means permanent criminal records. It means long-term consequences.
Bruno Law Offices fights to keep cases in juvenile court. We focus on rehabilitation. We challenge transfer motions. We present evidence of your child’s character and potential for rehabilitation. We argue for juvenile court jurisdiction. Our appellate experience proves valuable here. We understand the legal standards. We know how to build persuasive arguments.
Juvenile court records can be sealed. This allows your child to answer “no” when asked about criminal history. This applies to job applications and college forms. Adult records remain public and permanent. This distinction alone justifies a strong defense to prevent adult prosecution. Under 705 ILCS 405/1-8 (Juvenile Court Act of 1987), Illinois provides specific protections for juvenile records.
Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Crimes Defense
Common questions parents ask about juvenile defense include:
What should I do if my child has been arrested?
Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer police questions without a juvenile defense attorney present. Contact Bruno Law Offices immediately at 309-861-9960. The sooner we become involved, the sooner we can protect your child’s rights and begin building a defense strategy. Learn more about your right to counsel and the right to remain silent.
Can a juvenile record be sealed or expunged?
Yes. Illinois law allows sealing and expungement of juvenile records under certain circumstances. Sealed records don’t appear on background checks. Expunged records are destroyed. Bruno Law Offices helps families navigate this process to give their children second chances. Our team understands the criminal records process thoroughly.
What happens if my child is charged as an adult?
Adult charges carry adult penalties, including potential prison time and permanent criminal records. We fight to prevent adult prosecution through aggressive legal arguments. If your child is charged as an adult, we apply our appellate expertise to challenge the decision and seek return to juvenile court. Understanding the difference between felonies and misdemeanors is important to your case.
Will my child go to jail for a juvenile offense?
Detention depends on the charges, your child’s history, and other factors. We work to secure release pending trial and explore alternatives to detention. Even if detention occurs, juvenile facilities differ from adult prisons and focus on rehabilitation. Understanding bail and bond options is critical.
How long does a juvenile case typically take?
Timeline varies based on case complexity and whether the case proceeds to trial. Simple cases may resolve in weeks or months. Complex cases or trials take longer. We keep you informed throughout the process and work efficiently to resolve your child’s case. Learn about preliminary hearings and the criminal process.
How much does a juvenile defense attorney cost?
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and fees. Costs vary based on case complexity, charges, and whether the case goes to trial. We discuss fees transparently upfront so you understand the investment in your child’s defense.
Contact Bruno Law Offices for a Free Consultation
Your child’s future matters. Don’t wait to get experienced legal help. Bruno Law Offices offers free, confidential consultations. We discuss your child’s case and your options. Call 309-861-9960 today. Speak with a Bloomington juvenile crimes defense lawyer who understands juvenile defense. We are committed to protecting your child’s rights and future.
We serve clients in Bloomington, Normal, and throughout McLean County. Contact us today for the experienced defense your child deserves.