Best Juvenile Law Lawyers in Hedensted

About Juvenile Law in Hedensted, Denmark

This guide explains how Danish law treats children and young people in situations that touch on the criminal law, child-protection law and family law. In Denmark the approach is welfare-oriented - the aim is both to protect children and to help young people who get into trouble. Key national rules come from the Danish Criminal Code for offences, and from the Social Services Act - Serviceloven - and parental responsibility rules for child-protection and family matters. Local authorities - including Hedensted Kommune - carry out social interventions, and the regular courts and police handle criminal matters involving young people.

Age is central to how the law applies. Under Danish rules a child below 15 years of age is normally not criminally responsible, and concerns about behaviour are typically addressed by social services. Young people aged 15 to 17 can be prosecuted, but courts and authorities treat them differently than adults - focusing on education, rehabilitation and limited, youth-adapted sanctions where necessary. Parents, guardians and children have specific rights at each stage.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Juvenile matters often involve emotional pressure, complex legal procedures and decisions that affect a child for years. You may need a lawyer when:

- A child or young person is suspected of committing a crime and the police want to question or charge them.

- The municipality proposes a placement outside the home - "anbringelse" - or other compulsory child-protection measures under the Social Services Act.

- There is a dispute about custody, parental responsibility, visitation or relocation that could require court proceedings under the Parental Responsibility Act.

- You want to appeal a municipality decision about services, placement, or financial support related to care and treatment.

- A young person faces measures from the criminal court - for example conditional sentences, youth-specific sanctions or secure placement - and you need advice about defence options and consequences.

- You need help understanding procedural rights during police interviews, court hearings or child-protection meetings, or want an adviser present during those meetings.

A lawyer experienced in juvenile law can explain rights, represent the child or parents, negotiate with authorities, and ensure decisions are lawful and proportionate.

Local Laws Overview

Below are the key legal frameworks and local actors relevant in Hedensted:

- Criminal responsibility and youth justice - The Danish Criminal Code sets out criminal offences. Age 15 is normally the threshold for criminal responsibility. For suspects aged 15 to 17 the police and courts apply youth-oriented procedures and sentencing principles - with emphasis on rehabilitation and education.

- Social Services Act (Serviceloven) - This is the main law for child-protection and social interventions. Municipalities - including Hedensted Kommune - have the duty to assess reports of neglect or risk, to offer family support, and to make decisions about placement outside the home when necessary. Decisions can include voluntary support measures, family treatment, and compulsory placements if the child is at significant risk.

- Parental responsibility and family law - Rules on custody, visitation and parental rights are governed by Danish family law. Disputes can be decided by the courts, and the best interests of the child are the guiding principle.

- Procedural safeguards - Children and parents have procedural rights: to be informed of allegations; to be heard before major decisions; to receive written decisions with reasons; and to appeal municipal decisions to an independent body or court. In criminal matters suspects have the right to legal counsel, and special protections apply for minors.

- Local actors - Hedensted Kommune family and children services handle reports and support. The local police handle criminal investigations involving children. Courts in the regional jurisdiction hear criminal and family cases. National agencies such as Socialstyrelsen (the National Board of Social Services) set professional guidelines and standards that municipalities must follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can a child be criminally prosecuted in Denmark?

Generally a person becomes criminally responsible at 15 years of age. Children under 15 are not prosecuted for criminal offences; concerns about behaviour for under-15s are usually handled by municipal social services and educational measures instead.

What happens if my child under 15 is accused of something serious?

For children under 15 the police may investigate, but criminal prosecution is not normally possible. The municipality is usually notified and will assess the child’s needs. The municipality can offer counselling, family support or, in serious cases, consider voluntary or compulsory placement - "anbringelse" - if the child is at risk.

Can a 15 to 17-year-old be arrested and detained?

Yes. Young people aged 15 to 17 can be arrested and detained in connection with a criminal investigation. However, police and courts should apply special rules and safeguards because of the young person’s age. Detention must be necessary and proportionate, and a lawyer and usually a parent should be involved as quickly as possible.

Do parents have to be present during police questioning of a minor?

Children and young people have the right to be accompanied when questioned. In practice police will normally inform parents and allow them to be present, and a legal representative should be available in serious cases. If you are unsure, ask the police to wait until you or a lawyer arrives.

What is a municipal "anbringelse" and how long can it last?

An "anbringelse" is an out-of-home placement ordered or arranged by the municipality under the Social Services Act. It can be voluntary with parental consent, or compulsory after assessment if the child is at risk. Duration depends on the child’s needs and the case plan - placements can be short-term or long-term. Major decisions must be reviewed regularly and parents have appeal rights.

How can I challenge a decision by Hedensted Kommune about my child?

Municipal decisions should be given in writing with reasons and information about appeal rights. Many decisions can be appealed to a national administrative review body or to the courts. A lawyer with experience in child-protection law can advise on appeal deadlines, the form of appeal, and the evidence needed to challenge the decision.

Will a juvenile criminal record affect my child’s future?

Juvenile records and consequences are treated differently than adult records, and Danish law aims to limit long-term stigma. Some records may be sealed or not kept in the same way as adult records. Nevertheless, certain serious sentences or placements can have consequences for education, travel and future checks. A lawyer can explain the specifics and the possibilities for limiting long-term effects.

How do I get legal aid or a free lawyer for a juvenile case?

Children and parents may qualify for legal aid ("fri proces") depending on the type of case, the seriousness and financial situation. In criminal cases, the defendant often has a right to appointment of counsel. There are also free or low-cost initial consultations available through local lawyer clinics and legal aid schemes. Contacting a lawyer early is important to ensure representation when needed.

Can social services remove a child from home without parental consent?

Yes, in exceptional circumstances the municipality can place a child outside the home without parental consent if the child is at serious risk. Such measures are legally controlled and must be justified, documented and regularly reviewed. Parents have the right to be informed of decisions and to appeal. A lawyer can advise on immediate steps to protect parental rights and the child’s interests.

What should I do right away if police or social services contact me about my child?

Remain calm, ask for clear information about the reason for contact, and note names and times. You can request a lawyer and ask for time to obtain legal advice before answering detailed questions. If social services want to meet, ask for the meeting purpose and bring any documents that explain the family situation. If you are unsure, contact a lawyer or the municipality’s family department for guidance before agreeing to major decisions.

Additional Resources

Useful contacts and organisations to consult when dealing with juvenile-law issues in Hedensted include:

- Hedensted Kommune - family and child services department - for reports, assessments and welfare measures.

- Local police station - if there is a criminal investigation involving a young person.

- The district court in the regional jurisdiction - for criminal proceedings and family-law cases.

- Socialstyrelsen - the National Board of Social Services - for national professional guidance and standards used by municipalities.

- Børnerådet - the Danish National Council for Children - an independent institution that advises on children’s rights and welfare.

- The Danish Bar Association - for information on finding a specialist lawyer and on lawyer-clinic schemes that offer initial consultations.

- Legal aid offices and local lawyer clinics - for information about "fri proces" and free initial advice in civil and family matters.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in juvenile-law matters in Hedensted, consider these steps:

- Gather basic facts - names, dates, official letters, school reports, medical notes and any communication with police or the municipality. Keep copies.

- Contact Hedensted Kommune if the matter started with a report or if you need an explanation of proposed measures. Ask for written reasons for any decision and for information about appeal rights.

- If the police contact a child or young person, ask to speak with a lawyer before giving detailed statements. Request that a parent or guardian be present for questioning if appropriate.

- Seek a lawyer who has experience with juvenile criminal law or child-protection law. Ask about experience with similar cases, likely timelines and costs, and whether legal aid is likely.

- Use free initial legal advice services if you need to explore options quickly and cost-effectively. In urgent situations - for example if a removal from the home is imminent - act quickly to obtain representation and to prepare evidence and witness statements.

- Keep records of every meeting and decision. If you disagree with a municipal decision, follow the written instructions for appeal and meet any deadlines.

Juvenile cases are emotionally difficult and legally complex. Early legal advice helps protect the child’s interests and the rights of parents or guardians, promotes fair process and increases the chance of solutions that prioritise the child’s welfare and future prospects.