Your Misdemeanor Case Matters – Juvenile Cases Matter Too

I was reminded this week how the impact of hiring an attorney could last long after a jury has reached a verdict, a settlement has been made, or a case has been dismissed. Many attorneys focus on the “big” cases – serious felonies, federal charges, large civil suits – they forget how important a “little” case can be. My practice consists of both big and little cases, and I like it that way.
I love those cases other attorneys scoff at, like juvenile offenses and minor misdemeanor charges.
Were you charged with petty theft, malicious injury, driving without privileges, or a juvenile case?
Of course, you deserve the best legal help you can get, and you need a lawyer who cares about you and your case and, more importantly, about your future.
Why don’t I focus all of my attention on catching the big one? Because all of the little cases matter. Sometimes, they count even more. A minor misdemeanor charge for a person who has no legal status in the country is often a huge deal, even if it’s a simple driving offense. People can lose their right to remain here with loved ones over simple driving offenses. Little cases matter big time.
Juvenile offenses aren’t always about a kid who wants to run away or is skipping class. Daily, juveniles are charged with misdemeanors and felonies that can potentially change their lives at such an early age completely. The juvenile system is focused on ensuring that a child does not end up in the adult criminal system years later. The courts work with juveniles and their parents, as well as teachers, counselors, and probation officers, to get these kids on the right track for their future. These are not just “little” cases. Juvenile case matters big time, too!
A former juvenile client contacted me a couple of weeks ago with what she described as a huge favor – would I be her mentor for her senior project this year?
This client, by the way, had a case that included both a big and little charge. The felony charge was ultimately dismissed, and she pleads guilty to the misdemeanor. With the court and the prosecutor’s help, my client and her family had a positive experience, and she now thinks she’d like to go to law school.
Being her mentor for a semester is not a considerable favor; it’s an honor. An honor that I might not have gotten to experience if I focused only on catching the big case.