In many cases, field experts like social workers are brought in to evaluate juvenile behaviors, and their input influences how dispositions (sentencing) will resolve. Not every attorney is well-versed in juvenile crimes and courtroom proceedings or in how to critically evaluate expert testimony in juvenile cases.

Teenagers and kids often get into trouble because they are hanging out with the wrong group of friends. The State of Wisconsin may charge your son or daughter with a crime (misdemeanor or felony) just as adults are charged with crimes. Your child could be found “delinquent” which is similar to being found “guilty;” and this delinquency finding can have consequences that will last a long time in your child’s life.

The penalties that juvenile offenders face depend on the the age of the juvenile, the circumstances of the case, the charges, and whether the charges are adjudicated in the juvenile system or in adult court. For some crimes, the District Attorney can petition the juvenile court to waive its jurisdiction and have a juvenile as young as 10 years tried in adult court. After a juvenile offender reaches the age of 17, he or she may be placed in an adult state prison.

• Sexual assault
• Shoplifting
• Vandalism
• Gang violence
• Homicide
• Alcohol, drug manufacturing, delivery and possession
• DUI and OWI charges
• Gun and other weapons possession
• Identity theft
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Battery

Importantly, Attorney Rupich will represent juveniles at waiver proceedings when the District Attorney tries to send your son or daughter to adult court for criminal charges.

• Defending parents from abuse / neglect charges in criminal courts
• Defending parents from charges in CHIPS proceedings in Children’s Court
• Defending parents in Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) cases

Just because it is called “children’s court” does not mean it is any less serious or inconsequential. Your child’s juvenile court case matters for today and it matters for tomorrow. Attorney Pat Rupich can help ensure your child has the opportunity for a brighter future. Call Rupich Law Offices today at (414) 302-7042 for a no-charge consultation.

Wisconsin’s juvenile justice system is complex and serious. Please contact Attorney Rupich if you have any other questions or concerns.

Your life, your freedoms, your financial resources are at stake. Don’t let them take it from you without a fight.

Do not send Attorney Rupich private information until you speak with us and receive specific authorization to send information to us. Unsolicited information is not confidential. Unless and until you enter into a written attorney-client contract with Attorney Rupich, any information provided to Attorney Rupich is not private or confidential, and is not protected by attorney-client privilege or by any other privilege or confidence.