Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Juvenile law in Acharnes - as in the rest of Greece - covers legal matters that affect children and young people, typically those under 18 years of age. The system distinguishes between criminal matters involving minors, and family or child-protection matters such as custody, guardianship, abuse, neglect and welfare interventions. The overall aim of juvenile law is protective and rehabilitative - to promote the best interests of the child while balancing public safety and the rights of victims.
Cases involving minors are handled by specialized authorities - juvenile prosecutors, juvenile courts and social services - and procedures emphasize privacy, reduced publicity and the involvement of family and social professionals. If you live in Acharnes, local municipal social services and courts in the wider Attica region will generally be involved in providing assessments and supports.
There are many situations in which having a lawyer who knows juvenile law is important. Common reasons include:
- A child is accused of committing a crime or is being questioned by the police or a prosecutor.
- A child has been the victim of violence, sexual abuse or exploitation and you want to pursue criminal or protective action.
- The family faces custody, visitation or parental responsibility disputes after separation or divorce.
- Child protection authorities are considering removal of a child from the home, or have already done so.
- You need advice about guardianship, adoption formalities, or emancipation issues for an older minor.
- You are seeking to challenge decisions by social services, schools or youth welfare bodies, or to access rehabilitation and support measures.
A lawyer experienced in juvenile matters helps protect the childs rights, explains procedures, negotiates diversion or alternative measures, represents the child or parents before prosecutors and courts, and coordinates with social workers and psychologists.
Key local and national features that are particularly relevant in Acharnes include the following:
- Age thresholds - In Greece, children under a certain age cannot be criminally prosecuted. Minors above that threshold but under 18 are treated under the juvenile justice framework rather than the adult criminal system. For precise age rules and consequences you should consult a lawyer.
- Specialized authorities - Cases involving minors are handled by the Juvenile Prosecutors Office and the Juvenile Court - both operate with procedures aimed at protection, rehabilitation and privacy. Local social services and municipal child welfare units will usually cooperate with judicial authorities in Acharnes.
- Protective and educational measures - When a minor commits an offense, the court may impose educational or protective measures instead of ordinary criminal sanctions - for example supervision, probation, participation in treatment programs, community service, or placement in a youth facility when necessary.
- Confidentiality and privacy - Hearings involving minors are normally closed to the public, and publication of the minor's identity is restricted. Records and criminal files concerning juveniles are treated differently from adult records, with a stronger focus on rehabilitation and limited public access.
- Family law interaction - Custody, parental responsibility, visitation and protection orders are governed by family law provisions. Child welfare interventions may lead to temporary or long-term changes in parental responsibility where there is evidence of harm or neglect.
- Role of social services - Local municipal social services, the courts and non-governmental organizations play active roles in assessment, monitoring and delivering support measures. In Acharnes, the municipality and regional social services coordinate with justice authorities.
Greek law sets a minimum age below which children are not criminally responsible. Minors above that minimum but under 18 are processed under juvenile justice rules, which emphasize education and rehabilitation. For the exact minimum age and how it applies in a specific case you should consult a lawyer.
Yes. A parent or guardian should be present when the police question a minor, and legal representation is highly recommended. A lawyer will ensure the minor's rights are protected, advise on whether to answer questions, and communicate with the prosecutor and police on the familys behalf.
Pretrial detention of minors is treated as a last resort and subject to strict legal conditions. Authorities prefer alternatives such as supervision, electronic monitoring or placement in supportive programs. If detention is proposed or imposed, immediate legal advice is essential.
Proceedings involving minors are generally confidential and hearings are often closed to the public. Publication of the minors identity is typically restricted. However, some procedural steps do create records and you should discuss privacy protection with your lawyer.
Juvenile courts focus on educational and protective measures - for example warnings, probation, supervision by social services, mandatory treatment or counseling, community service and, in limited cases, placement in a juvenile facility. The aim is reintegration and reducing reoffending rather than purely punitive sanctions.
Removal is a serious step taken when there is evidence of immediate harm or ongoing neglect. You have the right to be heard and to challenge the decision. A lawyer can help you understand the grounds for removal, present alternatives, and work with social services on safety and support plans to keep the child at home where possible.
Victimized minors can seek immediate protection through police and child protection services, and may be eligible for medical care, counseling and specialized support programs. A lawyer can assist in initiating criminal complaints, obtaining protective measures and ensuring access to welfare services.
Juvenile records are handled with special rules focusing on rehabilitation. In many cases records are sealed or restricted from disclosure after completion of measures or after a statutory period. Exact rules vary with the type of decision and conviction, so consult a lawyer about record removal or sealing.
Look for lawyers or law firms with experience in juvenile, family and criminal law. You can contact the local bar association for referrals, ask municipal social services for recommendations, or seek lawyers who offer initial consultations about juvenile matters. Experience with juvenile courts and local social services is especially valuable.
Legal aid programs, bar association services and some non-governmental organizations may offer free or subsidized legal assistance for eligible families and children. Eligibility depends on income and the nature of the case. Ask local authorities, the Athens Bar Association or municipal social services about available legal aid options.
When seeking help in Acharnes consider the following types of resources:
- Municipal social services of Acharnes - for immediate welfare assessments, family support and case coordination.
- Juvenile Prosecutors Office and Juvenile Court - for procedural information about pending criminal or protection cases involving minors.
- Local Bar Association - for lawyer referrals and information about legal aid eligibility.
- Greek Ombudsman - for complaints about public authorities or child rights concerns.
- National and local child welfare organizations and NGOs - for counseling, emergency shelter, and psychosocial support services.
- School or health professionals - school counselors, pediatricians and mental health services can provide documentation and support for legal proceedings.
If you need legal assistance in juvenile matters in Acharnes - follow these practical steps:
- Gather documents - birth certificates, identity cards, school records, medical reports, police or incident reports, and any correspondence with social services or schools.
- Seek immediate safety - if a child is in danger call emergency services or municipal social services without delay.
- Contact an experienced juvenile-law lawyer - ask about confidentiality, costs, the likely timeline, and whether an initial consultation is available.
- Do not allow the child to speak to police alone - ensure a parent or lawyer is present during questioning.
- Keep clear records - write down dates, names of officials, decisions and what was said in meetings or interviews.
- Cooperate with social services where appropriate - participation in assessment and support plans can reduce the risk of removal or escalation.
- Ask about legal aid - if you have limited means, inquire with the bar association or municipal offices about subsidized legal support.
Getting timely legal advice will help protect the childs rights, clarify the available options and increase the chances of a constructive outcome focused on rehabilitation and family stability.
