Connecticut and New York Juvenile Law Attorney

Learning that your child has been accused of a crime or arrested is a parent’s worst nightmare. Parents experience feelings of fear and helplessness if their child is accused of breaking the law. How could my child have committed a crime? Were there extenuating circumstances? What will happen to my child in the juvenile court system? Will my child be suspended or expelled from school as a result of his/ her offense? We are here to answer all of your questions and advocate for your child’s rights. We will work collaboratively with you, your child, and the school systems to protect your child’s rights and successfully navigate the juvenile court system.

Protecting children with special needs

Children and teens with special needs can find themselves in trouble with the law.Cohn & Paul, PLLC has a unique sensitivity to helping children with disabilities and special needs. We are knowledgeable regarding the many unique challenges children with special needs face in the schools and courts. We are experienced in education law, juvenile law, criminal law, and the rights governing special education.

The firm is skilled in identifying problems, proposing remedies, and negotiating solutions to protect the rights of children with disabilities, including autism; learning disabilities; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD); dyslexia; tourette syndrome; personality disorder; bipolar disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); and depression & anxiety.

Children with special needs have specific legal rights if they are accused of a crime or arrested. If your child is arrested at school and he/she has special needs, he/she may be entitled to a manifestation hearing before suspension or expulsion. Children with special needs are entitled to educational services if they are suspended, expelled, or incarcerated.

Juvenile offenses

We provide criminal defense services for young people facing criminal charges in juvenile court for:

  • Assault, or assault and battery
  • Underage drinking
  • Driving offenses, including driving without a license and joyriding
  • Vandalism
  • Shoplifting
  • Truancy, possession of a weapon in school, or other school problems
  • Drug charges, such as possession of marijuana or cocaine

When possible, we make every effort to get charges dismissed or reduced so children stay out of the criminal justice system. If a sentence seems unavoidable, we negotiate for an alternative sentence that provides an opportunity for the child to get the help he/ she needs to make better choices in the future. Alternative sentences and/or dispositions may include drug or alcohol treatment, community service, and anger management counseling. We will also work with you and your child to help prevent future problems and to ensure that your child stays in school.

When you or your child’s voice is taken away, we can help.

If you feel that you or your child’s rights have been denied, and you need help navigating the complex educational and legal systems, we can help. We know the Connecticut and New York school systems and courts, and how to protect children. Contact us today!

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