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Juvenile law covers legal matters involving people who are under the age of majority - generally under 18 - and includes criminal matters (delinquency), family court matters (abuse, neglect, custody), status offenses (truancy, curfew violations, running away) and related school-discipline issues. In Tarrytown, which is in Westchester County, these matters are handled under New York State statutes and through the Westchester County court system. The Family Court is the primary court for juvenile matters, and there are procedures designed to emphasize rehabilitation, education and family involvement rather than punishment alone. Recent state reforms - commonly called Raise the Age - changed how 16- and 17-year-olds are handled in many cases, so local practice reflects a mix of juvenile-focused and, in limited circumstances, adult-court procedures for serious crimes.
Juvenile cases involve special procedures and protections that differ from adult criminal or civil court. A lawyer can help you or your child by explaining rights and options, negotiating diversion or plea agreements, arguing against detention, advocating for services instead of punishment, guiding parents through neglect or abuse investigations, protecting educational rights when school discipline is harsh, and handling record sealing or expungement. Common reasons people seek a lawyer in juvenile matters include:
- A juvenile arrest or charge for alleged delinquent behavior.
- A Family Court petition alleging neglect, abuse or uncared-for status.
- School suspension or expulsion that risks long-term consequences.
- A petition to transfer a case to adult criminal court, or a threat of transfer.
- The need to seal or expunge juvenile records to protect future opportunities.
- Immigration-related concerns when a juvenile matter could affect status.
Key local legal features relevant to juvenile cases in Tarrytown include:
- State Framework - New York State law, especially the Family Court Act and Criminal Procedure laws, set the rules for juvenile jurisdiction, intake, detention, hearings and disposition. Westchester County follows these state statutes and state-level policy guidance.
- Raise the Age - New York reformed how 16- and 17-year-olds are processed. Most 16- and 17-year-olds are now handled in Family Court or under specialized youth procedures, with limited exceptions for very serious violent felonies that may be prosecuted in criminal court under narrow conditions.
- Confidentiality - Juvenile court records are generally treated as confidential to protect rehabilitation and future opportunities. Records may be available to certain agencies and in certain circumstances, but public access is limited and sealing or expungement options exist.
- Diversion and Community Programs - Local practice emphasizes diversion programs, community service, counseling and other rehabilitative approaches for eligible juveniles as alternatives to formal court adjudication.
- Child Protective Proceedings - Allegations of abuse or neglect are handled through Family Court and often involve the Westchester County Department of Social Services - Child Protective Services. These proceedings focus on safety, family services and permanency planning.
- Local Court Structure - Westchester County Family Court handles juvenile matters for Tarrytown residents. Law enforcement intake, probation departments and local youth bureaus work together with the court to manage cases.
In New York State, juveniles are typically people under 18. Due to the Raise the Age reforms, 16- and 17-year-olds are generally processed under juvenile-focused procedures rather than adult criminal court, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
If a child is arrested, stay calm, ask to speak with the officer in charge and request that the child be allowed to speak to an attorney before answering questions. Contact a lawyer immediately or request a public defender at the earliest available point. Be ready to provide identification, contact information, and any medical or school records that may be relevant.
Yes. Juveniles have the right to legal representation. If a family cannot afford a lawyer, the court will provide counsel through assigned counsel or a public defender for eligible parties. It is important to secure counsel early in the process, including at intake and detention hearings.
Diversion refers to programs or agreements that allow a case to be resolved without formal adjudication in juvenile court. Options can include community service, counseling, education programs or restorative justice processes. Successful completion usually prevents a formal record and helps the youth avoid more serious court outcomes.
Juvenile records are generally confidential and may be sealed or held from public view under state law. Some records are automatically sealed; others may require a petition to the court. The rules and timelines vary by case type and outcome, so consult a lawyer to learn the best path for record relief.
If Child Protective Services investigates allegations of abuse or neglect, they may conduct interviews, home visits and assessments of safety. The agency can offer voluntary services, and if concerns remain, it can file a petition in Family Court seeking orders to protect the child. Parents should get legal advice before or during the investigation.
Under New York law and local practice, most juveniles are processed in Family Court. However, 16- or 17-year-olds may be prosecuted in criminal court for certain serious violent felonies under limited circumstances. Any motion or decision to transfer or prosecute in adult court raises complex legal issues and requires immediate legal representation.
Yes, certain adjudications can affect school placement, disciplinary records and future employment or education opportunities. That is why defenses, diversion and record sealing are important to consider early in a case. An attorney can help minimize educational and collateral consequences.
Parents are not typically criminally responsible for a juvenile's delinquent acts simply because they are the parents. However, there are civil and administrative consequences parents can face in some circumstances, such as liability for property damage, school attendance enforcement for truancy, or issues arising from failing to follow court orders. Each situation is fact-specific.
Look for lawyers who specialize in juvenile defense or family law, with experience in Westchester County Family Court. You can seek referrals from local bar associations, legal aid organizations, or ask the court clerk for information about assigned counsel programs if you cannot afford private counsel. Arrange a consultation to discuss experience, approach, fees and possible outcomes.
Westchester County Family Court - The local Family Court handles juvenile delinquency, child protective and family matters for Tarrytown residents. The court’s intake and clerk offices can explain filing procedures and hearing schedules.
Westchester County Department of Social Services - Child Protective Services - The county agency that investigates reports of child abuse or neglect and may provide family support services.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services - State agency that oversees child welfare, juvenile justice policy and programs across New York State.
NYS Unified Court System - Provides information about Family Court procedures and general rights of parties in juvenile and family matters under New York law.
Local Legal Aid and Public Defender Offices - Organizations that provide free or low-cost representation for eligible families and juveniles in Westchester County.
School District Student Support Services - Local school guidance counselors, school attorneys or student support teams can be important resources when school discipline or truancy issues overlap with juvenile court matters.
Community-Based Youth Programs - Counseling providers, juvenile diversion programs, mentoring and mental health services can support rehabilitation and may be offered as alternatives through the court or defense counsel.
If you or your child needs help with a juvenile matter in Tarrytown, consider the following steps:
- Act quickly. Time-sensitive hearings and detention decisions mean early action matters.
- Secure legal representation. Contact a juvenile defense attorney or request assigned counsel if you cannot afford private counsel.
- Gather documents. Obtain school records, medical records, prior evaluations, and any police or agency paperwork to share with your lawyer.
- Know your rights. Remind your child to decline to speak without a lawyer present and to be respectful to law enforcement and court staff.
- Attend all hearings and appointments. Missing court dates can lead to warrants or negative consequences.
- Consider alternatives. Ask about diversion, counseling, family services and community programs that could resolve the matter without a formal adjudication.
- Keep detailed notes. Track calls, dates, names of officials and what was said during interactions with police, school officials or social workers.
- Seek support services. Mental health, educational advocacy and family counseling can help address underlying issues and support long-term success.
If you are unsure where to start, contact the Family Court clerk for procedural information and then seek a consultation with a lawyer experienced in juvenile law in Westchester County to discuss the specific facts and the best legal strategy for your situation.
