Knoxville Juvenile Charges Defense Lawyers, TN
Protecting your child’s future and confidently defending clients throughout Maryville, Sevierville, Clinton, Lenoir City & Loudon
If your child has been arrested, you need professional and immediate legal help. At Banks and Jones, we defend juveniles fiercely. We recognize that your son’s or daughter’s future and freedom is on the line. From the moment you retain our services, our team of Knoxville defense attorneys works to uncover evidence, protect your child’s rights and help him or her construct a solid defense. We provide you with our high-quality legal services at every step.
Most common examples of juvenile offenses
According to state law, a delinquent act is an act designated as a crime, whether by the local ordinances of Tennessee — or of another state if the act occurred there — or under federal law. In 2022, The State of Tennessee reported that more than 30,600 crimes were committed by youth under 18. As of 2023, there were 368 children in “hardware secure” facilities throughout the state.
If your child is arrested for a curfew violation, he or she may face little more than community service. However, if the police arrest your son or daughter for assault or robbery, he or she may face additional penalties, including fines and jail time. Our Knoxville defense lawyers can passionately defend your child if he or she faces charges for all types of juvenile offenses, including:
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This is by no means a comprehensive list of the juvenile crime cases our firm handles. Our lawyers fight aggressively on behalf of juveniles accused of crimes that range from kidnapping to robbery of a motor vehicle. Experienced and highly qualified, we look out for your child’s best interests at every turn.
Juvenile crime penalties
Your child faces any number of penalties based on the type of crime the prosecution alleges he or she committed. If the police arrest your child for a DUI, his or her license may be suspended. More serious offenses are punishable by fines, jail time, probation and community service. However, by hiring an experienced lawyer, you can significantly improve your son’s or daughter’s chances of receiving a reduced sentence.
Will my child be tried as an adult in Tennessee?
If your child is facing his or her first offense for a non-violent crime, the chances are good that he or she will go through the juvenile system. But you have to be prepared that Tennessee will try some children who are aged 16 or older as adults, such as a crime that would be considered a criminal gang offense for an adult.
Under certain circumstances, the State may choose to try a juvenile offender as an adult even if that child was younger than 16 when the crime was committed. Those cases always include charges of:
- First degree murder
- Second degree murder
- Rape
- Aggravated rape
- Rape of a child
- Aggravated rape of a child
- Aggravated robbery
- Especially aggravated robbery
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Especially aggravated kidnapping
If the State wants to try your child as an adult, it must hold a hearing on the change, and it must provide you with written notice at least 14 days before that hearing.
Furthermore, if your child is over the age of 18, but the alleged crime took place when he or she was a minor, the juvenile court may choose to hear that case, or transfer it.
If your child is tried as an adult and convicted, he or she will go to prison. Not a juvenile detention center. Not a rehab facility. Prison. That is why it is crucial that you seek experienced counsel right away, if your child is facing criminal charges.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our attorneys handle a variety of cases, including:
| Assault | Driving under the influence | Drug crimes |
| Criminal Defense | Juvenile crimes | Homicide |
| Rape | Reckless driving | Robbery |
| Theft | White collar crimes | Felonies vs. Misdemeanors |
| Rape | White-Collar Crimes |
Choose juvenile defense lawyers who work diligently to protect your child
Our legal team at Banks and Jones is proud to provide parents with high-quality defense counsel. If your son or daughter is arrested, call 865-546-2141 or fill out our contact form to speak with an experienced criminal law attorney. Our office is located within a quarter mile of every major thoroughfare in Knoxville.
