Best Juvenile Law Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Juvenile Law Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Juvenile law in Vouliagmeni is governed by Greek national legislation and applies throughout the Attica region. It covers how authorities respond when a child or young person under 18 is suspected of committing an offense, is a victim or witness of crime, or is in need of protection due to neglect or abuse. Cases from Vouliagmeni are typically handled by the juvenile prosecutor and the juvenile courts serving the wider Athens jurisdiction. The system emphasizes education, protection, and social reintegration rather than punishment, and includes strong confidentiality rules to protect the identity and future prospects of minors.

Children under a certain age are not criminally liable and can only be subject to protective or reformative measures. Older minors may face reformative or therapeutic measures, and detention is used only in exceptional cases and only in special juvenile facilities. Parents or guardians, social services, schools, and specialized police units often work alongside the juvenile prosecutor and the court to support the minor and safeguard the public interest.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a juvenile law lawyer in Vouliagmeni if your child has been approached by the police for questioning, arrested, or formally charged. A lawyer will protect the minor’s rights during police interviews, ensure that a parent or guardian is notified and present, and manage contact with the juvenile prosecutor.

Legal help is also important if your child is a victim or witness of a crime. A lawyer can explain protection measures, help secure restraining or protective orders, and guide you through making a complaint and seeking compensation.

Families often need legal advice when social services become involved due to concerns about neglect, school absenteeism, substance use, or family conflicts. An experienced lawyer helps you understand obligations, assessments, and possible court orders, and can coordinate with social workers and psychologists.

Other common needs include school violence or cyberbullying cases, shoplifting or property damage incidents, online offenses investigated by the Cyber Crime Division, and disputes over parental responsibility or guardianship that affect a minor’s welfare. If the minor is a foreign national or an unaccompanied child, specialized legal guidance is critical to navigate guardianship, asylum, and protection procedures.

Local Laws Overview

Definition of a minor and age thresholds: Under Greek criminal law, a minor is a person who has not reached 18. Children below the lower age threshold are not criminally liable and cannot be sentenced. Instead, the juvenile court may order protective or reformative measures such as supervision by a social worker, attendance in educational programs, or counseling. Adolescents from the lower threshold up to 18 can face reformative or therapeutic measures, and in serious cases may be ordered to serve time in a special juvenile detention facility. Young adults aged 18 to 21 may receive special lenient treatment in some situations. Precise outcomes depend on the facts and the minor’s needs.

Juvenile procedure and rights: Minors are handled by specialized police units, a juvenile prosecutor, and juvenile courts. Police must notify the guardian and the juvenile prosecutor promptly. The child has the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Interviews should be adapted to the minor’s age and conducted with sensitivity. Pre-trial detention for minors is tightly restricted by law and used only as a last resort, for the shortest time possible, and always in juvenile facilities. Alternatives to detention include probation-style supervision, community service, and participation in programs addressing the causes of the behavior.

Confidentiality and closed hearings: Juvenile proceedings are not open to the public. The identity of minors is protected and publication of identifying information is prohibited. Court files are confidential, and access is limited. After the minor comes of age and meets specific conditions, juvenile matters generally do not appear on standard criminal record extracts used for employment or education, preserving future opportunities.

Victims and restorative options: The system encourages restorative justice where appropriate. Victim-offender mediation, apologies, community service, and restitution may be used when they serve the best interests of the child and respect the rights of victims. Victims can seek protection measures and may pursue compensation either within the criminal process in limited forms or by bringing a civil claim.

Child protection measures: Separate from criminal responsibility, authorities can take child protection actions where there is neglect, abuse, exploitation, or serious family conflict. The juvenile prosecutor can order immediate protective steps and involve social services. Courts can issue orders for supervision, temporary removal from home, or placement with relatives, foster families, or in appropriate institutions, always guided by the best interests of the child.

Vouliagmeni context: Vouliagmeni is part of the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni in Attica. Police matters involving minors are commonly handled by the local precinct in coordination with the Sub-Directorate for the Protection of Minors of Attica. Prosecutions and court hearings take place in the Athens juvenile justice system, which includes specialized prosecutors, judges, and probation officers for minors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age of criminal responsibility in Greece?

Children below the lower age threshold are not criminally liable and cannot receive criminal sentences. Courts may only impose protective or reformative measures aimed at education and welfare. From the lower threshold up to 18, different rules apply that allow reformative or therapeutic measures, and in serious cases detention in a special juvenile facility. A lawyer can explain how the age rules apply to your situation.

Will my child be questioned without me?

The police should promptly notify a parent or guardian and the juvenile prosecutor. Minors have the right to a lawyer and to remain silent. Questioning should be adapted to the child’s age and needs. Ask for a lawyer before any substantive interview, and request that you or another responsible adult be present.

Are juvenile hearings public?

No. Juvenile hearings are held in private. The identity of minors is protected and publication of identifying information is prohibited. Only the participants permitted by law may attend.

Can my child go to jail?

Detention for minors is a last resort, used only in serious cases and only in special juvenile facilities. Courts will consider alternatives such as supervision, counseling, community service, or mediation. Where detention is imposed, it must be for the shortest period necessary and tailored to rehabilitation.

What happens if my child is a victim of a crime?

The juvenile prosecutor can order protection measures. A lawyer can help you file a complaint, seek protective orders, and claim compensation. Confidentiality applies and the child can be supported by social services and specialized psychologists during interviews and court processes.

Will a juvenile case appear on my child’s criminal record?

Juvenile proceedings are confidential. Access to files is restricted, and after the child reaches adulthood and meets legal conditions, juvenile matters generally do not appear on the criminal record extracts commonly requested by employers or schools. A lawyer can advise on record certificates and any waiting periods that may apply.

What is diversion or mediation in juvenile cases?

Diversion refers to resolving a case through educational or restorative steps without imposing punitive sanctions. This can include apologies, restitution, community service, or participation in programs. Victim-offender mediation may be used when appropriate. These options depend on the offense, consent of the parties where required, and the best interests of the child.

What if the police suspect cyberbullying or online offenses?

Cyber cases may be handled with support from the Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division. The same juvenile protections apply. Do not let your child give devices or passwords or make statements without legal advice. A lawyer can manage communications with investigators and guide preservation of evidence.

Can the school discipline my child and also involve the police?

Yes. School disciplinary processes are separate from criminal proceedings. For incidents that may be crimes, the school may notify the police or the juvenile prosecutor. A lawyer can help coordinate the school response with any legal case and advocate for supportive educational measures.

How do social services get involved and what can they order?

Social services become involved when there are concerns about safety, neglect, or a child’s needs. The juvenile prosecutor can order immediate protective actions, and courts can issue supervision orders, require counseling, or in serious cases arrange temporary placement. Parents have rights to be heard, and a lawyer can present your evidence and propose support plans.

Additional Resources

Juvenile Prosecutor of Athens and Juvenile Courts of Athens - Handle cases arising in Vouliagmeni and the wider Attica area. Contact is typically made via the police or your lawyer.

Hellenic Police - Local police precinct for Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni and the Sub-Directorate for the Protection of Minors of Attica handle juvenile matters. Emergencies: 100. EU-wide emergency number: 112.

Cyber Crime Division Helpline - For online offenses and cyberbullying concerns: 11188.

Athens Bar Association - Can help locate a lawyer experienced in juvenile law and explain eligibility for legal aid.

Greek Ombudsman - Children’s Rights Department - Independent authority that protects children’s rights and can receive complaints about public services affecting minors.

Social Service of the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni - Offers family support, counseling referrals, and coordination with child protection authorities.

The Smile of the Child - National helplines for children and families. Child Helpline: 116111. SOS line: 1056. Hotline for missing children: 116000.

National Center for Social Solidarity - Coordinates shelters, emergency social support, and services for vulnerable minors and families.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If there is an immediate risk, call 112 or 100. For medical emergencies call the appropriate emergency service. Ensure the child is in a safe environment and avoid any confrontations.

Exercise the right to counsel. If the police contact your family about a juvenile matter, politely request to speak with a lawyer before any interview. Ask the police to notify the juvenile prosecutor and to allow a parent or guardian to be present.

Choose a qualified lawyer. Seek a lawyer who regularly handles juvenile cases in the Athens jurisdiction. Ask about experience with diversion, mediation, and child protection proceedings. If you have low income, inquire about legal aid eligibility through the Athens Bar Association or the court.

Gather documents. Collect IDs, school records, medical or psychological reports, any messages or screenshots related to the incident, and contact details for witnesses or professionals working with your family. Keep a timeline of events.

Follow professional guidance. Attend all appointments with social services and the court. Ensure the child participates in any counseling, education, or community programs recommended. Demonstrate cooperation and a concrete plan to support the child.

Protect confidentiality. Do not post about the case on social media and do not share documents publicly. Respect the minor’s privacy and the confidentiality required by law.

Note that this guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and procedures change, and outcomes depend on your specific facts. Speak with a licensed lawyer in Greece for advice tailored to your situation.