My Teenager Has Been Charged With an Ordinance Violation. Do We Need an Attorney?

DuPage County Juvenile Lawyer Serving Wheaton, Hinsdale, Oak Brook and Surrounding Areas

Teens may become mixed up with the law for a variety of reasons. They may engage in mischief that could cause harm to property or put others at risk, or they may even be accused of criminal offenses such as theft or shoplifting. However, even if a teenager is not arrested by a police officer and charged with a crime, they may still face consequences. In cases where teenagers are accused of violating local laws or ordinances put in place by a town, city, or municipality, parents may need to determine how to respond to these charges and what they can do to prevent long-term penalties.

If your teenaged child has been issued or charged with an ordinance violation, it is important to enlist the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney. Even if your child actually committed the offense in question, representation from an attorney can ensure that they will be treated fairly and that any punishments they face will be appropriate. A lawyer can assist you in finding options that will help your child avoid a permanent mark on their record while protecting their future.

Understanding Ordinance Violations

Many cities, towns, and villages in Illinois have adopted parts of the state's criminal laws into their own municipal codes. Violations of the municipal code may be prosecuted as ordinance violations instead of criminal offenses. Technically, an ordinance violation is not a criminal matter, and most of these offenses are punishable by fines only. The practical consequences, however, may be more severe. While you may want to allow your child to suffer the consequences of their actions, it is important to consider the long-term impact that a violation may have on their life.

Shoplifting is an offense that is often handled as an ordinance violation. If your child, for example, was stopped by store security for stealing merchandise, and the police were called, there are three basic options. Your child could face prosecution by the county State's Attorney for a misdemeanor charge of retail theft, or your child could be arrested, booked, and released with an ordinance violation. As a third option, the police could issue an ordinance violation on the scene—similar to a traffic ticket—with a date to appear in court.

In all three situations, a permanent record is created, and with very few exceptions, the records are accessible to the public. This means they could show up on a background check during the application process for a job, housing, educational programs, or loans. To prevent problems that could affect your child's future, you can work with an attorney to fight against an ordinance violation or negotiate agreements in which a violation will be dismissed as long as they pay restitution, perform community service, or complete other requirements.

Contact Our Skilled Wheaton Ordinance Violations Attorneys

By retaining an attorney right away, you can avoid making hasty decisions that could follow your child for many years to come. An experienced lawyer can help you explore options that might allow your child to avoid pleading guilty through diversion or deferral programs. Your child may still face certain consequences, but the impact on their future could be reduced.

Contact our office to learn more about our firm and how we can help. Call Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC at 630-665-7300 today. We serve DuPage County, Kane County, and surrounding areas.