Murfreesboro Juvenile Defense Lawyer

There are few things more nerve-wracking and traumatic as a parent than having to deal with a child being charged with a criminal offense. You may worry about your child’s future and reputation, or the entire reputation of your family. Whether your child has been arrested for underage drinking on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University or has been accused of vandalizing a home in White Haven, a Murfreesboro juvenile defense lawyer is here to help.

Work With Boss Law to Protect Your Child’s Rights

Since 2004, the team at Boss Law has dedicated its legal career to fighting for individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges. As parents, experiencing the arrest of your child is terrifying, and you need a legal advocate you can trust. Attorney Mitch Shannon is here for you. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and the Nashville School of Law, he is right at home in the Rutherford County justice system and is ready to protect your child’s rights.

Boss Law is known across the greater Nashville area for our excellence and award-winning legal advocacy. We know this is a scary time for your entire family, but we want you to know that we have got your back. No matter what, we are here to stand by your side and fight for the rights of your child. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we are here to help you reach a favorable outcome in your child’s case so that everyone can move forward into a brighter future.

Common Juvenile Offenses in Murfreesboro

In 2022, the state of Tennessee saw 30,638 crimes that were committed by individuals under the age of 18, giving the state a juvenile crime rate of 20.1 per every 1,000 minor persons of the population. While this crime rate has dropped by one point over recent years, in 2024, Nashville police made 2,002 juvenile arrests, causing a 4.4% increase in juvenile arrests in this localized area.

In Murfreesboro, juvenile offenses are any crimes that are committed by an individual under the age of 18, or under the legal drinking age of 21 if the crime is alcohol-related. These crimes can range from minor infraction charges to serious felonies that could harm your child’s entire future. While in most cases, the Tennessee juvenile justice system will address these cases in a way that focuses on rehabilitation, some minors may be tried as a result in certain situations.

In Rutherford County and surrounding areas, the most common juvenile crimes we handle at Boss Law include the following:

• Shoplifting or other forms of theft
• Trespassing
• Vandalism
• Cybercrimes, or crimes committed over the internet
• Underage drinking and DUI, or driving under the influence
• Assault
• Drug possession or distribution
• Reckless driving
• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Sexual offenses, like child pornography or aggravated sexual battery
• Disorderly conduct
• Curfew violations

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other crimes with which your child can be charged. At Boss Law, it is our prerogative to defend your child against these charges and more and protect their rights. Our number one goal is to secure the most favorable outcome available.

Your Child’s Rights in a Juvenile Criminal Case

Just like any adult arrested, your child is entitled to certain rights when arrested in Tennessee. It is vital that your child is aware of these rights, and it is our role as your child’s attorney to ensure these rights are protected. Critical rights include:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to an attorney
• The right to a fair hearing

When you hire the defense team at Boss Law, we can review all actions taken by the law enforcement officers involved in your child’s case and uncover any evidence that points to any rights violations. If there is evidence that your child’s rights were violated at any point during their case, this might serve as grounds for having the case completely dismissed or for negotiating for reduced charges or sentences.

It is wise to be aware of common rights violations committed by law enforcement during a juvenile arrest, including:

• The police officers conducted an illegal search and seizure of alleged evidence, meaning they did so without a legal warrant or without sufficient probable cause.
• Your child was not informed of their right to an attorney or their right to have a guardian or parent present during their questioning.
• A police officer failed to read your child’s Miranda Rights to them during their arrest.
• Your child was not given any information regarding their Constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination.

If you believe that any of these situations took place during your child’s juvenile arrest and interrogation, it is time to stand up for justice. At Boss Law, we are ready to come alongside you and ensure your child is protected from the criminal justice system.

Penalties for Juvenile Offenders

The penalties your child can face for juvenile crime convictions will depend on the type and severity of the crime with which they have been charged. The most common penalties involved in a majority of juvenile crimes include the following:

• Restitution payments to victims, such as in the case of vandalism or theft
• Probation
• Jail or prison time, in severe cases
• Time spent at a juvenile detention facility
• Community service
• Completion of mental health counseling
• Completion of a treatment program related to drug or alcohol abuse

In addition to these penalties, your child can also suffer the societal ramifications of a criminal charge. They may find it more difficult to apply to college or seek employment in the future. They might also lose their spot on certain academic teams or sports teams. This is why you need to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible in order to safeguard your child’s future.

Hire a Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today

At Boss Law, we understand that this is a difficult and overwhelming time for your entire family. That is why you need to hire a juvenile defense lawyer from our team who can guide you and your child through every step of the legal process. Our attorney and receptionist are both fluent Spanish speakers, ready to serve clients from all backgrounds. Contact our offices today to schedule your free consultation. We are here to support you.