What To Do If Your Teen Has Been Convicted of A Felony

The news that your teen has been convicted of a felony can be devastating and overwhelming. As a parent, your primary concern is their well-being and future.

Although a felony conviction is a serious matter, there are steps you can take to help your child move forward and begin the process of rehabilitation. Understanding the legal implications, focusing on emotional support, and working with professionals, such as a San Diego juvenile defense attorney, can make a significant difference in your teen’s future.

In this article, we will explore what to do after your teen has been convicted of a felony, and how hiring a San Diego juvenile defense attorney can provide essential guidance throughout the process.

Understand the Legal Consequences

When a teen is convicted of a felony, the legal consequences can be far-reaching, affecting their future opportunities in employment, education, housing, and more. As a parent, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what the conviction means, including the penalties imposed, any probationary requirements, and whether the conviction will stay on their permanent record.

1. Penalties and Sentencing

A felony conviction can lead to various penalties, depending on the nature of the crime and the jurisdiction. For teens, these penalties can include:

• Juvenile Detention: Depending on the severity of the offense, your teen may be sentenced to time in a juvenile detention center. The length of the sentence can vary, and in some cases, juveniles may be transferred to adult facilities after reaching the age of 18.
• Probation: In many cases, juveniles are placed on probation instead of, or after, serving time in detention. This may include conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, community service, drug testing, or attendance at rehabilitation programs.
• Fines and Restitution: Your teen may be required to pay fines or restitution to any victims of the crime. Depending on your financial situation, this can be a significant burden on your family.

2. The Impact on Criminal Records

One of the most critical issues following a felony conviction is whether the conviction will appear on your teen’s permanent criminal record. Juvenile records are often sealed or expunged once the teen reaches adulthood, meaning the conviction may not impact their future. However, for serious felonies, particularly those in which a teen has been tried as an adult, the conviction could remain on their record and affect their opportunities later in life.

3. Educational and Employment Challenges

A felony conviction can create barriers to education and employment. Some schools and colleges may deny admission to individuals with felony convictions, and many employers conduct background checks, which could affect your teen’s ability to secure a job. Understanding these consequences early on can help you plan for the next steps and explore ways to minimize their impact.

Support Your Teen Emotionally

Beyond the legal ramifications, it’s important to recognize the emotional toll that a felony conviction can have on your teen. They may be feeling scared, anxious, ashamed, or hopeless. As a parent, your emotional support is vital in helping them navigate this challenging time.

1. Open Communication

Creating an environment of open communication is essential. Encourage your teen to share their feelings, and make sure they know that they can come to you for support. Avoid judgmental language and instead focus on moving forward together as a family.

2. Professional Counseling

It’s not uncommon for teens to experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges following a felony conviction.

Seeking the help of a therapist or counselor can be incredibly beneficial in helping them cope with the emotional challenges they are facing. Counseling can also assist with behavioral changes that may reduce the likelihood of future legal troubles.

3. Set Goals for the Future

A felony conviction can make your teen feel as though their future is bleak, but it’s important to remind them that they can still have a productive and successful life. Help them set realistic goals for their future, whether that involves completing their education, learning new skills, or engaging in community service. Goal-setting can help them stay focused on positive actions and give them a sense of purpose during a difficult time.

Help Your Teen Meet Legal Obligations

A felony conviction may come with a range of legal obligations that your teen must meet in order to avoid further penalties. As a parent, your role is to help ensure they meet these requirements and avoid any additional legal trouble.

1. Comply with Probation Requirements

If your teen has been placed on probation, it’s crucial that they comply with all the conditions of their probation. This may include regular check-ins with a probation officer, attending mandatory counseling or rehabilitation programs, and avoiding any additional criminal activity. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to further legal consequences, including imprisonment.

2. Pay Fines or Restitution

If your teen has been ordered to pay fines or restitution, make sure these payments are made on time. If financial difficulties arise, it may be possible to work with the court to create a payment plan or explore other options.

3. Seek Legal Assistance for Record Sealing or Expungement

In many cases, it may be possible to have your teen’s felony record sealed or expunged once they have completed their sentence or probation. This process can prevent the conviction from appearing on background checks, giving your teen a fresh start. Hiring an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process of expungement and ensure that your teen’s future is not permanently damaged by the conviction.

Hiring a San Diego Juvenile Defense Attorney

One of the most important steps you can take after your teen has been convicted of a felony is hiring a San Diego juvenile defense attorney. A skilled attorney can help guide your family through the complexities of the juvenile justice system, advocate for your teen’s rights, and explore options for minimizing the long-term impact of the conviction.

1. Legal Representation for Appeals

If you believe that your teen’s conviction was unjust or the result of a legal error, a juvenile defense attorney can help file an appeal.

 An appeal is a legal process in which a higher court reviews the case to determine whether any mistakes were made during the trial that could have impacted the outcome.

2. Exploring Sentencing Alternatives

A juvenile defense attorney can explore alternative sentencing options that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This may include diversion programs, counseling, or community service instead of incarceration.

3. Expungement or Record Sealing

As mentioned earlier, having your teen’s record sealed or expunged can be essential to protecting their future. An experienced juvenile defense attorney can guide you through this process and ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to clear your teen’s record.

4. Guidance Through the Legal System

The legal system can be confusing and overwhelming, particularly for families unfamiliar with the juvenile justice process. A juvenile defense attorney will ensure that your teen’s rights are protected and that you understand each step of the process, from the initial conviction to any post-conviction legal matters.

Moving Forward After a Felony Conviction

While a felony conviction can be a significant setback, it’s important to remember that your teen’s future is not defined by this moment. By taking proactive steps to support them emotionally, helping them meet their legal obligations, and working with a skilled San Diego juvenile defense attorney, you can give your teen the tools they need to move forward and build a better future.

Your support and advocacy as a parent can make all the difference in helping your teen overcome the challenges they face and find a path toward rehabilitation and success.