Juvenile Matters

Roanoke Juvenile Law Attorney

When teenagers are arrested for a crime, it can affect their lives for years to come. It may prevent them from being accepted into certain colleges or military service, or it may adversely affect their career prospects. More serious crimes may result in a jail sentence.

Eric Roland Spencer is an experienced juvenile law and criminal defense attorney. If your child has been arrested for a crime, our firm can provide representation designed to protect your child's future.

Call us at 1-888-312-2962 for a free consultation.

Representing Juveniles Accused of Crimes

The Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes that juveniles sometimes do dumb things. For a juvenile, a misdemeanor conviction is removed from the juvenile's record at the age of 18, provided that he or she complies with the requirements the court sets and does not get into further trouble. A felony conviction however, stays on the record.

In serious cases, then, our goal is to get the felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor through negotiation with the prosecutor and argument to the court. We can also seek to obtain an alternative sentencing judgment that can preserve the child's ability to enter college or join the military.

Alternative Sentencing Programs

In Virginia, a number of alternative sentencing programs are available that can enable a juvenile to avoid the worst effects of an arrest. Home incarceration with electronic monitoring can be used in more serious cases. The Impact 180 program enables non-violent juvenile offenders to obtain vocational and social skills while living in the structured environment of the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center. These and other programs may be available for your child, though not every juvenile may qualify.

At Eric Roland Spencer, P.C., we understand juvenile law and the guidelines that the court uses for these programs, how to negotiate with prosecutors, and how to obtain the approval of the court. We can explain the alternatives that may be available, and if it appears that your child is an appropriate candidate for such a program, we will work to achieve an alternative sentencing result.

Whether your child has been accused of a drug crime, theft, shoplifting, or something more serious, Eric Roland Spencer, P.C., will work to obtain the best outcome possible, while minimizing the potential effects on your child's future.

For a free consultation with juvenile law lawyer Eric Roland Spencer, P.C., call 1-888-312-2962 or contact us online.