Juvenile Delinquency Lawyer in Des Moines

GRL Law is your central Iowa expert in Juvenile Delinquency cases, with extensive experience and successful results. We know that your child’s future is your number one concern—it’s ours too. Whether your child has been accused, detained, or arrested, how you navigate the next steps are crucial in determining what happens to your child. A criminal conviction can leave a negative impact, both immediately and permanently. Trust GRL Law’s juvenile criminal defense attorneys to prioritize the well-being and protection of your family.

Juvenile Delinquency refers to illegal acts committed by juveniles, which is a person who has not yet reached the age of 18. Criminal laws are the same for adults and those under the age of 18, but in juvenile court, there is no jury, only a Juvenile Court Judge. 

In Iowa, charges brought against a juvenile can be reviewed by the Juvenile Court Services Department and potentially resolved informally, depending on the charge. If a juvenile is close to 18, has committed multiple crimes, or serious illegal acts, there is the possibility of the case transferring to District Court, meaning that your child would be tried as an adult.

Children over the age of 10 can be processed in court in Iowa, while those age 10 and under are not typically held criminally responsible. Rehabilitation is encouraged over punishment for younger offenders. 

Most criminal charges can also be a juvenile offense, with the only factor up for consideration is whether it’s handled in juvenile or district (adult) court. Extremely violent crimes like murder, rape, aggravated assault, etc., can require the accussed to be tried as an adult automatically. If convicted as an adult, a minor can be sentenced to life in prison.

The legal drinking age in Iowa is 21, meaning that any juvenile publicly handling alcohol is considered an illegal act. Juveniles can be charged for purchasing, attempting to purchase, controlling, or possessing alcohol.

The charge for this is a simple misdemeanor and can result in fines, substance abuse evaluations, and license suspensions.

Yes, a minor can be charged with assault in Iowa. Charges can be brought up against a juvenile for instances involving another minor or an adult. 

This charge could either be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on severity, with additional fines incurred.

Theft, vandalism, and school-related offenses generally stay in juvenile court—granted there aren’t extreme elements involved. Theft and vandalism can either be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the amount stolen/damaged. 

School-related offenses can relate to the status of truancy or criminal acts like assault, possession of inappropriate items like drugs or weapons. The level of the criminal act would determine the type of charge tried, and the court the juvenile is tried in.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor refers to an adult causing a minor to commit an illegal act. The encouragement and direct involvement of leading a juvenile towards a delinquent route can result in charges to be brought upon the adult. This can look like promoting illegal activities like theft or vandalism, granting access to firearms, providing drugs and alcohol, etc.

In Iowa, you must retain an attorney if your child is charged with a crime, unless you qualify and accept a public defender. It is in the best interest of your child to seek juvenile defense representation as soon as possible. At Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, we understand juvenile delinquency laws in Iowa. We can fight attempts to have your child tried as an adult, where the consequences of a conviction can have far more lasting effects on your child’s future.