Indiana, PA asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania

Q: my nephew got arrested for throwing rocks at a abandoned buding..and someone called the cops.now the owner of that build

wants to press charges, what rights does my 16 year old have at this point t

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1 Lawyer Answer
Ryan L Hyde
Ryan L Hyde
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Exton , PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: The right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, if he cant afford one one will be provided. As he is a juvenile they are often routed to the public defender's office. He has the right to a trial where he can assert potential defenses (abandoned property and possibly others) and all of the ither rights available to someone charged in the criminal justice system. Many counties have diversion programs for youths charges with non violent crimes. Talk to a local attorney who can walk you through the process. Its very different from the adult system because of its emphasis on rehabilitation.

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