If your child is accused of a crime, they need a lawyer as soon as possible. Oklahoma treats juvenile offenses differently from adult crimes. Instead of punishment, they focus on accountability and rehabilitation. Even so, the consequences can affect your child’s education and future opportunities.
The juvenile crimes attorneys at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman provide criminal defense representation to individuals and families in and near Oklahoma City. Our lawyers are experienced in the juvenile justice system, and we know how to develop a legal strategy to help protect your child’s future. Contact us today to get started.
Adult and juvenile courts are both part of the criminal justice system, but they have different procedures and outcomes.
Our goal is to keep your child from being charged as an adult. If successful, keeping your child in the juvenile criminal system may help them far beyond the charges they are currently facing. If convicted, the juvenile criminal system focuses on rehabilitation and supporting each child as they move forward with their life.
In Oklahoma, a serious felony allegedly committed by a minor can result in their case transferring from juvenile court to adult court.
A conviction in adult court may lead to a prison sentence and other long-term consequences that can affect everything from housing to employment. The conviction may become part of their permanent criminal record.
Early legal guidance is the best way to protect your child. The attorneys at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman can help you respond to court requirements and advocate for alternatives to detention.
Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer involved early on increases the chance that the court will favor rehabilitation-focused options.
When a case stays in juvenile court, the process typically includes multiple hearings. At these hearings, judges will evaluate the evidence and determine appropriate interventions. However, these interventions focus on correcting behavior rather than long-term incarceration.
Juvenile court is designed to address unlawful behavior while keeping children engaged in their education and community. Judges consider several outcomes depending on the crime and other relevant circumstances. An attorney from Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman can help your family understand the most likely options, then advocate for solutions that minimize the disruption to your family’s life.
Detention is temporary and intended to protect the community or prevent a child from leaving the area. In many cases, the court may consider non-custodial alternatives, including:
These options allow minors to remain in school and maintain daily routines while participating in supportive programs. Our lawyers can present evidence and arguments showing why a non-custodial approach is appropriate.
Probation is a frequent outcome after a delinquency finding.
Probation allows children to remain in their community while addressing the underlying issues. Our attorneys help families navigate probation requirements and communicate with probation officers so that all reporting obligations are met.
Parents and guardians have many questions when their child’s future is at stake. Below, you’ll find answers to those our lawyers are most frequently asked.
A juvenile crime generally refers to illegal acts by a person under 18 years old. The Oklahoma Juvenile Code governs how the state handles these cases. Crimes can range from property offenses and minor assaults to more serious felonies like robbery or aggravated assault. Even traffic violations can be treated differently for minors than adults.
The process usually begins when law enforcement refers a case to the District Attorney’s office or the Office of Juvenile Affairs. The court may hold a detention hearing to decide if the minor should remain in custody pending further proceedings. Many cases proceed to a preliminary hearing, which allows the court to determine whether there is enough evidence to move forward.
Yes. Oklahoma law allows certain serious offenses (such as violent felonies) to be prosecuted in adult court even if the offender is under 18. The decision depends on the child’s age, the specific crime they’re accused of, and their prior criminal history. The process for transferring a juvenile to adult court requires a hearing, which your child’s lawyer will attend. At the hearing, the judge evaluates whether the minor can benefit from rehabilitation under the juvenile system or whether adult court is more appropriate.
Minors have many of the same Constitutional rights as adults, in Oklahoma City and beyond. They can have an attorney present during questioning and challenge evidence. They can also appeal the court’s decisions. Parents or guardians (and attorneys) typically participate in hearings, but the court may still consider the juvenile’s input. Minors also have the right to remain silent and the right to a fair hearing.
A delinquency finding is not a criminal conviction. However, it can still have significant negative consequences. The juvenile court may impose probation or require participation in counseling or educational programs. In serious cases, they may place the child in a state facility. Probation can include restrictions on travel, school attendance, and curfews. In some cases, restitution to victims or community service is required. The ultimate goal is to address their behavior and prevent further brushes with the criminal justice system. A lawyer can help you understand the most likely outcomes in your child’s situation.
Oklahoma law allows juveniles to petition for records to be sealed or expunged once certain conditions are met. Sealing a record limits who can access it. Expungement removes the record entirely. Eligibility usually depends on the offense and the offender’s age at the time. Of course, they also must complete any court-ordered programs or other conditions. The process often requires court approval and may involve a hearing, at which your attorney can represent your child.
The court typically considers factors like the child’s:
Courts can place children in community-based programs or counseling. Depending on the circumstances, they may order electronic monitoring or placement in a state juvenile facility. Their ultimate goal is to balance accountability with better opportunities to learn positive behaviors. Parents or guardians often participate in developing a plan, but the court has the final authority.
In certain cases, Oklahoma law allows parents to be financially responsible for damage caused by a juvenile, particularly in civil matters. Courts may also require parental involvement in probation and counseling. While parents generally are not criminally liable for most offenses committed by a child, their cooperation can significantly impact how the child’s case turns out. Always consult a law firm to find out which rules apply to your specific situation.
The law firm of Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman represents families in juvenile matters throughout Oklahoma City and Oklahoma, Cleveland, McClain, Canadian, Grady, and Garvin Counties. We focus on clear, practical advice and active advocacy in everything from hearings to program planning. Our lawyers present alternatives to detention while minimizing disruption to your child’s life.
If your child faces juvenile charges, contact Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman immediately so we can start protecting their future while options are still available.
