Juvenile law deals with crimes committed by children. The maximum age varies from state to state, but the maximum age for a juvenile offender is usually seventeen. The federal government and state government prosecute all types of crimes committed by children, from traffic violations to felonies like rape and murder. If your child has been charged with a crime, you must seek legal counsel at once so that you can preserve your child's rights and future.

Children charged have the following rights:

• the right to remain silent;
• the right to cross-examine witnesses against them; and
• the right to be represented by an attorney;
• juvenile records are not open to the public but are sealed.

If a juvenile is found guilty of a crime he or she may receive the following:

• receive probation;
• have a fine imposed;
• be ordered to perform community service;
• be ordered to make restitution or pay back the losses caused by the criminal acts;
• be sentenced to serve time in a juvenile correctional facility.

Being accused of a crime is a frightening and stressful event, especially for a child. Even in what seems like minor cases, it makes sense to secure competent and knowledgeable counsel who can help streamline the juvenile justice process and minimize the impact on the child's life. If your child has been charged with committing a crime, do not delay in contacting attorney Peter LaSorsa.

Attorney Peter LaSorsa represents individuals in Illinois and in particular the Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton and Woodford county areas regarding criminal matters related to juvenile charges. If you live in Peoria, Pekin, East Peoria, Washington, Morton, Bartonville, Mapleton, Hanna City, El Paso, Elmwood, Deer Creek, Farmington, Elmwood, Chillicothe, Bloomington, Dunlap, West Peoria, Peoria Heights, Mossville or Canton contact my office regarding your rights.