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Juvenile law covers legal matters involving people under 18 years of age and the legal systems that respond to delinquency, child welfare, guardianship, and certain status-offense matters. In Brooklyn - which is Kings County, New York - most juvenile matters are handled through the Family Court system and designated youth parts of local courts. The goal of juvenile law is often different from adult criminal law - it focuses on rehabilitation, protection and the best interests of the child, while balancing public safety. Proceedings can include delinquency petitions, petitions regarding abuse or neglect, Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) petitions, custody matters for minors, and transfer or youth-part cases for serious offenses.
Legal issues involving minors can be complex and have long-term consequences. You may need a lawyer if you or your child are facing any of the following situations:
- Arrest or criminal charges involving a juvenile - including police questioning, detention, arraignment, or court hearings.
- A delinquency petition in Family Court alleging that a minor committed a crime or wrongdoing.
- A child-welfare investigation or petition alleging abuse, neglect, or need for protective services from New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).
- A Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) petition for status offenses such as truancy, running away or curfew violations.
- Custody or guardianship disputes that affect a child’s living situation, schooling, or medical care.
- A request to seal or expunge juvenile records, or to obtain a Youthful Offender or other protective designation that limits public access to records.
- School discipline issues that could lead to suspension, expulsion, or referrals to law enforcement.
- Cases involving immigration consequences, special education or developmental disabilities where legal advocacy is needed to secure services or protect rights.
Understanding how local New York and Brooklyn systems operate will help you navigate juvenile matters.
- Jurisdiction - Family Court in Kings County handles most juvenile delinquency, child welfare and PINS matters. Some serious cases may appear in the youth part of criminal court depending on the offense, age and current state rules.
- Age definitions - Generally, juvenile law applies to persons under 18. Recent reforms in New York changed how 16 and 17 year-olds are treated for many offenses - many are processed in youth-focused parts of the courts rather than general adult criminal court. The precise handling of specific charges can vary by case.
- Delinquency vs. status offenses - Delinquency involves acts that would be crimes if committed by an adult. Status offenses are acts that are unlawful only because of the child’s age - for example, truancy or running away. Status offenses are often handled through PINS petitions and diversion services.
- Child-welfare cases - Allegations of abuse or neglect are investigated and may result in Family Court petitions under child-protective laws. The New York City Administration for Children’s Services plays a central role in investigations and service provision.
- Right to counsel - Juveniles have the right to legal representation in delinquency and many Family Court proceedings. If a family cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint counsel.
- Confidentiality - Juvenile court records and hearings are generally confidential to protect young people’s futures. There are exceptions - for example, when cases are transferred to adult court or when public safety interests require otherwise.
- Dispositions and rehabilitation - Family Court focuses on rehabilitative dispositions - such as probation, community service, counseling, educational programs and placement with services - rather than only incarceration. For severe cases, courts may impose more restrictive placements.
- Record sealing and post-adjudication relief - There are processes to limit access to juvenile records, secure sealing or obtain specific designations that protect privacy and reduce collateral consequences. Timelines and eligibility vary depending on the outcome and type of proceeding.
If a child is arrested, remain calm and protect the child’s rights. Parents or guardians should be notified promptly. Do not consent to searches without understanding the consequences. Request a lawyer right away - juveniles have a right to counsel. If the child is taken into custody, ask where they will be held and when and where the first court appearance will be. Contact an attorney experienced in juvenile matters as soon as possible.
Yes. In most delinquency and Family Court matters, juveniles have the right to legal representation. If a family cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one. Early legal advice can protect the child’s rights during questioning, plea discussions and hearings.
A delinquency case alleges wrongdoing that would be a crime for an adult. PINS - Persons in Need of Supervision - involves status offenses such as truancy, running away or curfew violations. PINS matters emphasize counseling, family services and non-criminal interventions; delinquency matters involve adjudication of wrongdoing and possible probation or placement.
Yes, many juvenile records are restricted and can be sealed or otherwise shielded from public access. The rules depend on the type of proceeding and the outcome. Adjudications in Family Court are generally confidential, and there are legal steps to limit access to records. In cases that move into adult court or result in certain criminal convictions, records may be treated differently. Consult a lawyer to understand eligibility and the sealing process.
New York law has changed in recent years to treat most 16 and 17 year-olds in youth-focused court parts, but serious offenses and certain case circumstances can lead to adult prosecution or different procedures. Whether a juvenile is transferred or tried in adult court depends on factors such as the charge, age, prior record and prosecutorial decisions. You should speak with counsel immediately if a serious charge is involved.
Common outcomes include dismissal, diversion programs, probation, counseling, community service, restitution, or placement in a residential program. The court often prefers rehabilitative measures. For serious cases, more restrictive placements or longer-term consequences are possible. The goal is to address underlying needs while promoting public safety.
When ACS investigates allegations of abuse or neglect, the agency may provide preventive services, seek voluntary agreements, or file a Family Court petition to protect the child. Family Court hearings determine whether a child is in need of protective services and what orders or services are necessary. Parents and guardians should seek legal help immediately when ACS is involved to protect parental rights and the child’s interests.
Juvenile records can have collateral consequences, but confidentiality protections and sealing processes can reduce impact. Certain disclosures may still be required for immigration, licensing or some employment applications. For immigration-related concerns, specialized counsel is recommended because juvenile adjudications can affect immigration status differently than adult convictions.
Parents may face civil or supervisory consequences in some situations - for example, when a parent’s neglect or failure to supervise contributed to the problem, or when court-ordered obligations are not followed. Each case is fact-specific. Courts usually focus on the child’s care and best interests, but parental responsibilities and potential enforcement can arise.
Look for lawyers or legal services with specific experience in juvenile law and Family Court practice in Kings County. Ask about courtroom experience, track record with similar cases, familiarity with local diversion and service programs, fee structure and whether they provide free consultations. If you cannot afford private counsel, public defenders and legal aid organizations handle juvenile matters and can provide qualified representation.
These local and state organizations and agencies commonly assist people dealing with juvenile law issues:
- Kings County Family Court - the local Family Court that handles delinquency, child-welfare and PINS matters.
- New York State Unified Court System - provides information about Family Court and juvenile procedures at the state level.
- New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) - investigates child abuse and neglect reports and provides services.
- Legal Aid Society - Juvenile Rights Practice - offers representation and advocacy for young people in court.
- Brooklyn Defender Services - provides defense and social-services advocacy for people in Brooklyn.
- New York State Bar Association and local bar associations - lawyer referral services and resources for finding qualified counsel.
- Nonprofit advocacy groups and youth-focused legal clinics - many community organizations provide guidance, mentorship and support services for at-risk youth.
If you or your child are facing a juvenile legal matter in Brooklyn, follow these practical steps:
- Seek legal advice promptly - early involvement of counsel can protect rights and improve outcomes.
- Gather documents - collect school records, incident reports, medical records, correspondence with agencies and any other materials that relate to the situation.
- Keep detailed notes - record dates, times, names of officials, what happened and any communications with police or agencies.
- Attend every scheduled appointment and hearing - failing to appear can have serious consequences.
- Ask about diversion and service options - many systems provide alternatives to formal adjudication focused on treatment and education.
- Protect confidentiality - be cautious about public discussion of the case and follow your lawyer’s guidance about who should be contacted.
- If you cannot afford a private lawyer, request court-appointed counsel or contact local legal aid organizations immediately.
- If immigration issues or special education needs are involved, seek attorneys with expertise in those specific areas.
Juvenile legal matters are sensitive and can be emotional. A qualified juvenile-law attorney can explain the law that applies to your case, advise you on strategy, represent you at hearings and work to minimize long-term consequences for the young person involved.
