A juvenile court is a specialized court that primarily deals with cases involving children alleged to have committed crimes. Such courts aim to promote rehabilitation instead of punishment among minors found guilty of criminal offenses. As such, the experience and proceedings in a juvenile court are generally different and softer than in a regular court, where adult offenders are tried.
On July 3, 1899, with the passage of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act, Illinois became the first state in the U.S. to have a separate court for cases involving minors. Since then, several juvenile courts have been established across the state as divisions under the state’s 23 judicial circuits. The juvenile court in Rockford, Winnebago County, falls under the 17th Circuit.
If a minor has been arrested and charged with committing a crime in Rockford or elsewhere in Winnebago County, there’s a good chance the case would be handled there. If found guilty, they could be detained in a juvenile detention center for a while, which could affect their life and goals.
As such, it is important that those in such a position and their parents or guardians are aware of how the juvenile court system works before the case begins. That knowledge could give you a much-needed advantage that could help you or your child (if you’re a parent) overcome the charges.
You may also need to consult a skilled Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyer who understands how juvenile court processes in Rockford work and can help you build a solid defense. But in the meantime, this guide offers a general overview of the court to keep you informed and help you prepare for your case.
Like other juvenile courts in the state, the juvenile court in Rockford only deals with cases involving juveniles.
Whether or not a person is a juvenile is a matter of their age. The requirements vary with each state. But in Illinois, a juvenile is a person who is between 13 and 18 years old.
Criminal cases involving those in this age group would typically take place in a juvenile court. However, this rule has certain exceptions, which shall be examined subsequently.
The juvenile court in Rockford has jurisdiction over cases of juvenile dependency and delinquency.
Juvenile dependency cases involve minors who have been abused, neglected, or are dependent without a parent or guardian to look after them.
The court’s role in such cases includes determining whether the children should be placed in the custody of or under the Department of Children and Family Services guardianship or removed from such custody.
Juvenile delinquency cases involve minors facing criminal charges for felony or misdemeanor offenses.
However, not all delinquent minors can be tried in the juvenile court. If a minor who is at least 16 years old is charged with certain serious offenses, they would be tried as adults in a regular court. Those offenses include:
First-degree murder
Aggravated criminal sexual assault
Aggravated battery with a firearm.
The penalties for offenses in this category are severe and include imprisonment for many years. If you’ve been charged with such an offense, you’ll need strong legal representation from an experienced Criminal Attorney in Rockford who can help you fight your charges.
If you have been scheduled for a juvenile delinquency hearing in Rockford, you need to be ready to present your case and tell your side of the story on your court date. If you’re not in detention, locating the court and finding out your court hearing information is vital to avoid missing your court date.
The juvenile court in Rockford is located at the Winnebago County Juvenile Justice Center at 211 South Court Street, Rockford, IL 61101. The building houses three courtrooms, so you’ll need to confirm in which room your hearing will take place.
The court operates on weekdays from 8.00 AM to 4.30 PM. Therefore, your case would likely be heard within those hours. If you need to contact the court to get specific details about your case or for any reason, you can call: 815 319 4806.
Alternatively, you can engage the services of a juvenile defense lawyer who can help you get prepared and help you find the information that you need.
A juvenile arrest can seriously affect a minor’s life and future. Parents or guardians of a minor in that position ought to do everything they can to protect the child’s constitutional rights, including their right to a fair hearing. Retaining the help of a juvenile lawyer can help those involved navigate the complicated juvenile justice system with more chances of success.
Juvenile defense lawyers have a vast knowledge of juvenile laws and can provide professional guidance on the steps you need to take. They understand juvenile court procedures and the ins and outs of the system. With their experience, they can help your child or ward craft a solid defense strategy to help them avoid incarceration and a criminal record.
Going through juvenile court proceedings without legal experience can increase the chances of receiving an unfavorable outcome. Hence, it is important that those in that position seek out and consult an attorney to professionally represent them and protect their rights.
Going through juvenile court proceedings without legal experience can increase the chances of receiving an unfavorable outcome. Hence, it is important that you seek out and consult an attorney to professionally represent you and defend your interests.
In these difficult times, our experienced Juvenile defense lawyers at Hirsch Law Group can guide you through the juvenile justice system and explain the options available in your case.
With our extensive understanding of juvenile law and the court system, we can provide a solid defense to help you avoid a conviction and detention in a juvenile facility.
If the evidence against you is overwhelming, we can also advocate for you and convince the judge to consider alternative penalties, such as probation, instead of detention. That way, your life and personal activities are not unduly restricted.
Contact us today if you have more questions about your juvenile court delinquency case at the Winnebago County Juvenile Court in Rockford. Let us help you as you fight your way out of the criminal justice system.