Juvenile criminal charges in Illinois can have lasting impacts on a young person’s life, from school opportunities to future employment. As a Joliet criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience, including my time as a former Will County prosecutor, I’ve helped families navigate the juvenile justice system to minimize consequences and secure second chances. At the Law Office of Jack L. Zaremba, we focus on defending juveniles against charges like theft, vandalism, drug possession, or DUI, while also addressing related driver’s license issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore how juvenile cases work in Will County, common offenses, potential penalties, and strategies to protect your child’s record in 2025.
Understanding Juvenile Criminal Charges in Illinois
In Illinois, the juvenile justice system, governed by the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405), handles cases for minors under 17, though certain serious offenses like murder can be tried as adults for 15-16-year-olds. Unlike adult cases, juvenile proceedings emphasize rehabilitation over punishment, often involving delinquency petitions rather than criminal convictions. Common charges in Will County include shoplifting, underage drinking, cannabis possession (over 10g), assault from school fights, or traffic violations like reckless driving. These often arise from peer pressure, school incidents, or traffic stops on routes like Route 30 in Joliet.