If your child makes a mistake that results in a juvenile offense, it can be stressful for the entire family. You might be thinking about court appearances, fines and fees, the impact on your child's schooling and social relationships, and so much more.

While you may be upset or worried about your son or daughter's well-being, you probably have an added set of concerns of your own. You might be asking, how will my child's conviction affect me? Will it impact my finances? Will I be liable for any damages they may have caused? Can it have a negative impact on my career or job prospects?

When you find yourself facing questions related to your son or daughter's adjudication (the term for a juvenile conviction), it's important that you speak to an experienced legal team who has handled many such cases. Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Team have years of experience and are here to help.

What Are My Financial Obligations?

Even though it wasn't you who committed the infraction, if your child is a minor (under the age of 18), you may be required by law to cover certain expenses resulting from damages or losses as a result of your child's actions. For instance, in New Jersey, if your son or daughter damages school property or a railroad or public utility, you might be liable for the damages incurred. There may also be other instances in which parents are asked to cover the cost of damages.

Most states limit the amount of liability parents can incur. In many cases, you may also find that a homeowner's insurance policy covers some or all of these expenses.

If you are a parent concerned about your financial obligations following your son or daughter's adjudication, an experienced legal team can help you navigate this matter.

How Might My Son Or Daughter's Conviction Impact My Career?

You might be worried about the role your child's arrest or conviction will have on your professional life. You are likely concerned about taking time off from work to attend hearings or wondering whether your child's arrest record will prevent you from getting hired in a new position.

While your son or daughter's adjudication might be disclosed in certain cases (for instance, if the property damage was greater than $500 or in the case of aggravated assault), this disclosure usually is not available to prospective employers – neither yours nor your child's. The Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help you determine whether and to whom these records will be disclosed.

Contact Attorney Joseph D. Lento and His Team Today

Speaking with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney-advisor is the first step to ensuring you and your child navigate this difficult time. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm are ready to help. Contact us online or give us a call at 888-535-3686.