Syracuse Juvenile Crimes Lawyer

If your child has been arrested or charged with a crime in Syracuse, New York, Passalacqua & Associates, LLC is here to help. Juvenile crime cases require swift action to protect your child’s rights and future. Call us at (315) 500-6425 for a confidential consultation with our Syracuse juvenile crimes attorneys. 

Our legal team understands how the system works and how to advocate for youth and families when a mistake could impact the rest of a young person’s life. We have decades of combined experience handling criminal cases involving minors. Contact us today and speak with a trusted Syracuse juvenile crimes lawyer.

Why Choose Passalacqua & Associates, LLC to Handle Your Juvenile Crimes Case in Syracuse?

When your child is facing juvenile charges in Syracuse, NY, not just any law firm will do. You need a team of Syracuse criminal defense lawyers that understands the stakes, has the experience, and is prepared to go the distance. 

At Passalacqua & Associates, LLC, we bring the following to the table:

• Extensive experience in juvenile defense: We’ve represented many young defendants throughout Onondaga County and Syracuse, navigating juvenile and family court proceedings, securing mitigated outcomes, and protecting youthful records.
• Personalized, family‑centered advocacy: We know a juvenile crime case doesn’t just affect the young person—it affects the entire family. We listen carefully to your concerns, keep you informed, and craft a defense strategy geared toward redemption and future success.
• Aggressive representation: We believe in second chances and rehabilitation; we prepare every case as if trial is inevitable.
• Deep understanding of the juvenile system: The rules, rights, and procedures for minors in New York differ from adult criminal court. Our lawyers have experience navigating these issues and getting justice for our clients. 
• Track record of results and resources: We have the resources, expert access, and conviction to protect young clients even when the allegations are severe.

When you choose Passalacqua & Associates, LLC, you’re choosing a Syracuse law firm that puts your child’s future first. Reach out today for a confidential consultation with a trusted Syracuse juvenile crimes attorney.

What Are Juvenile Crimes in New York?

Juvenile crimes refer to offenses committed by individuals under the age of 18 (or in some cases up to age 21) that are handled in the juvenile justice or family court system rather than through the adult criminal court. These charges can range from relatively minor offenses to very serious felonies.

Examples of juvenile offenses in New York include:

• Underage alcohol or drug possession
• Disorderly conduct and harassment
• Theft, shoplifting, or burglary
• Vandalism or property damage
• Assault, weapons offenses, or gang‑related activity
• Sexual misconduct or sex crimes
• Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or reckless driving
• Felony charges potentially transferred to adult criminal court

Because the juvenile system focuses primarily on rehabilitation, there is hope. But the process requires a knowledgeable defense strategy right from the start. If the case is transferred to adult court, your child may face adult penalties and exposure to a criminal record.

What Are the Possible Consequences for a Juvenile Crime in Syracuse?

Even though juvenile cases are oriented toward rehabilitation, the consequences can still be serious. 

An adjudication delinquent in family or juvenile court may result in:

• Probation or supervised release
• Curfew, community service, or mandatory counseling
• Placement in a juvenile facility or youth parole
• Mandatory participation in educational or behavioral programs
• Restitution to victims or fines
• Removal from school, suspension, or involvement in youth court
• In extreme cases, waiver to adult court and adult criminal consequences
• Difficulty enrolling in college or accessing scholarships

These outcomes can affect your child’s education, future employment, and mental health. That’s why it’s vital to engage a Syracuse juvenile crimes lawyer at Passalacqua & Associates, LLC right away to protect rights, advocate for alternatives, and aim for the best possible resolution.

How Our Syracuse Juvenile Crimes Lawyers Can Help

When you hire Passalacqua & Associates, LLC to represent your child, you’re getting a full‑scale defense team that will take immediate action to safeguard the young person’s rights and future. 

We will:

• Review the arrest and detention procedures to identify any violations of constitutional rights, such as illegal search or seizure, improper questioning, or failure to notify a parent.
• Conduct an independent investigation of the allegations, gather witness statements, review police reports, and secure evidence that may support dismissal or a favorable resolution.
• Advise you and the juvenile defendant on pre‑arraignment strategy, representation at detention hearings, and alternatives to confinement.
• Formulate a defense strategy to prevent waiver to adult court, which can dramatically increase risk and exposure.
• Present mitigation evidence to persuade the court toward less severe outcomes.
• Negotiate directly with prosecutors and juvenile court officials to pursue adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD), probationary terms, or diversion programs that avoid adjudication.
• Prepare for trial or adult‑court transfer if necessary, with skilled advocacy and experience in juvenile and adult proceedings.

We understand the emotional stress your family is under. Our team will keep you informed, make recommendations you can trust, and do everything possible to turn this crisis into an opportunity for your child’s future growth.

How Long Does a Juvenile Case Take in Syracuse?

In juvenile cases, time is critical. New York courts often schedule hearings within days of the arrest, and early decisions can shape the entire course of the case. If your child has been detained, the court may hold a probable cause or detention hearing almost immediately.

If your child is under investigation but not yet charged, we may be able to intervene preemptively to prevent charges or secure informal resolutions before the case escalates.

The length of a juvenile case in Onondaga County or anywhere in New York can vary widely based on several factors:

• Whether the case is resolved informally or requires a full hearing
• Whether a plea deal, diversion, or adjudication is pursued
• If there are complex charges or multiple co-defendants
• If the case is transferred to adult court

Some juvenile cases may be resolved in a matter of weeks, while others (especially those involving felonies or contested facts) may take several months. If rehabilitation programs or community service are ordered, your child may remain under court supervision for a year or longer.

At Passalacqua & Associates, LLC, we understand that families need answers. That’s why we keep you informed at every stage, set realistic expectations, and work proactively to resolve the case as quickly and favorably as possible.

Can a Juvenile Record Be Sealed or Expunged?

In many cases, New York law allows certain juvenile records to be sealed under specific circumstances, especially if the case is dismissed, handled through diversion, or results in a non-criminal finding. However, automatic sealing does not apply to all cases, and the rules surrounding eligibility are complex.

Our attorneys can help you:

• Determine whether your child’s record is eligible for sealing
• File the appropriate petitions with the court
• Advocate for sealing at hearings or after probation concludes
• Work to prevent the record from affecting future job, school, or housing opportunities

Sealing your child’s juvenile record can be a critical step toward rebuilding their reputation and future.

What Should Parents Do During a Juvenile Case?

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even angry when your child is arrested or accused of wrongdoing. But your role as a parent is vital during this process. 

Here are a few key steps to protect your child:

• Get legal representation immediately: Never let your child speak to law enforcement without a lawyer present.
• Keep communication open: Encourage your child to be honest with their attorney so we can build a strong defense.
• Stay involved: Attend court dates, meet with your attorney regularly, and be present at every stage.
• Focus on rehabilitation: Enroll your child in counseling, tutoring, community service, or other programs that show the court they are taking the situation seriously.

Our team at Passalacqua & Associates, LLC will support not just the accused minor but the whole family through every step of the legal journey.

Contact a Syracuse Juvenile Crimes Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Don’t wait. Every day that passes could limit your child’s options and increase risk. At Passalacqua & Associates, LLC, we know how much is at stake when a child is accused of a crime. We also know that one mistake or one false accusation shouldn’t define your child’s future. That’s why we fight with everything we have to defend the accused and protect the potential in every young client.

We bring decades of combined criminal defense experience and a reputation for results in juvenile and adult court alike. Whether your child is facing a misdemeanor, felony, or status offense, we’ll deliver aggressive, compassionate representation from start to finish.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation with a respected Syracuse juvenile crimes attorney. We’re here to protect your child’s rights and their future.