Think back to when you were a kid. Did you ever fight with your siblings? Of course you did! Maybe your sister borrowed your clothes without asking or your brother cheated when you were playing Monopoly. Sibling arguments are part of life, and completely normal – at least to an extent. In some cases, though, the squabbles can take an extreme turn, and one of your children could actually commit a crime against another one of your children. In fact, crimes committed against siblings are one of the most common forms of domestic disputes. As a parent, what should you do in that situation?

Isn't it Normal?

Yes, it is normal for kids to argue and fight. Little kids get mad and hit if a sibling takes their toy. Older kids might have more complicated feelings of jealousy or unfair treatment. It is important to pay attention to when normal sibling rivalry crosses a line into criminal behavior.

When the sparks start flying, you may be tempted to stay out of it and let the kids work it out themselves. But when the behavior crosses into territory involving bullying, violence, or crime, parents need to step in and take charge of the situation. Don't allow it to escalate. This could turn into a potentially dangerous situation with criminal consequences.

What if One Child Accuses the Other of a Crime?

In some cases, one sibling might accuse the other sibling of committing a crime against them. As a parent, this may seem like your worst nightmare. Naturally, you want to protect all of your children, so what should you do if one of your children accuses another of a crime?

If you haven't already, try to create some space between the kids. They need a break from the conflict and an opportunity to calm down. Then call a New Jersey criminal defense attorney. Parents are naturally very emotionally involved in situations affecting their children. It may be difficult to set your feelings aside and look at the situation objectively. You need an outside perspective from an expert in these matters. Remember that an accusation isn't a guarantee that your child will be going to jail. A juvenile defense attorney can help you to deal with these charges in a way that keeps all of your kids safe.

The Lento Law Firm Can Help Your Family

If one of your children is accused of committing a crime against another, you need to contact New Jersey juvenile criminal defense attorney Joseph Lento right away. Joseph Lento is an expert in these situations, and he will help parents navigate this complicated family dispute. Call 888-535-3686 or go online to schedule a consultation right away. The Lento Law Firm will provide you with the guidance you need to make sure that all of your children are protected.