Delinquency

1. My child has been charged with a crime. Can I hire CFCR to represent my child?
- There is a conflict of interest between your child and one of our current or former clients. For example, we are not able to represent co-defendants. In this situation, another attorney experienced with Juvenile Court in Mecklenburg County will be appointed to represent your child.
- Your family chooses to hire a private attorney to represent your child.
2. My child is 16- or 17- years old and has been charged with a crime. Where can we go for help?
The phone number for Mecklenburg County’s Public Defender office is 704-686-0900. For the North Carolina Public Defender Directory, go to this website.
3. The school resource officer told me that my child (ages 6 – 15) got into trouble at school and is being charged with a crime. What happens next?
4. Why do I need to meet with a Juvenile Court Counselor for an intake meeting?
There is a short window for this meeting to occur once the Juvenile Court Counselor receives a complaint from law enforcement. The Juvenile Court Counselor only has 15 days, with the option of a 15 day extension for a maximum of 30 days, to meet with you and your child and to gather all relevant information to make a decision regarding the allegations.
5. Will my child have a lawyer present to represent them during the intake meeting?
6. What does the Juvenile Court Counselor consider when making a decision?
- Interviews with the complainant or victim if the victim is not the complainant;
- Interviews with the juvenile and the juvenile’s parent, guardian, or custodian;
- Interviews with persons known to have relevant information about the juvenile or the juvenile’s family.
- Interviews should be conducted in person unless it is necessary to conduct them by telephone.
- Reviewing school, mental health, and social services records.
7. What happens after the intake meeting?
- The case could be closed;
- The case could be diverted; or
- The case could be approved for court.
Some charges must be approved for court. These charges include murder, first or second degree rape, first or second degree sexual offense, arson, all felony drug charges, first degree burglary, crime against nature, or a felony which involves the willful infliction of serious bodily injury upon or which was committed by use of a deadly weapon.
8. What is a diversion plan?
9. Is a diversion plan filed with the court?
10. If my child is placed on a diversion plan, can my child be sent to court?
11. What happens if my child is approved for court?
- There is a conflict of interest between your child and one of our current or former clients. For example, we are not able to represent co-defendants. In this situation, another attorney experienced with Juvenile Court in Mecklenburg County will be appointed to represent your child.
- Your family chooses to hire a private attorney to represent your child.
12. Why won’t my child’s attorney do what I want?
13. My child wants to get a job but has been involved with juvenile court. Does my child have to share this with a potential employer?
14. My child was placed on juvenile probation. What does that mean?
15. As a parent, what am I responsible for if my child is involved with juvenile court?
16. I have been told that my child was interrogated by school officials concerning a suspected school violation. Do I have a right to be present during school interrogations?
17. What should my child do if he/she is arrested at school?
18. If an officer violates my child’s rights, what can I do?
Click on images below to explore other topics.
Email Newsletters And Policy Updates
Sign up here to receive our monthly e-newsletter and/or policy updates on issues affecting children.
Please visit our Community Resources list
for additional resources and agencies that may assist you with these and other questions.