IL defense lawyerHaving a juvenile criminal record can get in the way when you are applying to colleges or trying to get into a trade program. If you are charged as a juvenile, your record can be sealed when you become an adult. However, it is extremely common for teenagers to be charged and convicted as adults depending on the crime alleged and the age of the juvenile. Teens charged with fairly minor offenses, like simple vandalism or misdemeanor retail theft are more likely to be charged as juveniles, while teens who commit more serious crimes are more likely to have their cases sent to adult court. 16 and 17-year-olds are most likely to be charged as adults. Your Joliet, IL juvenile criminal defense attorney’s first priority is likely to be keeping your case in juvenile court. Then, your attorney can take steps like plea bargaining to have serious charges reduced or preparing to go to trial in hopes of being found not guilty.