Dedicated to the Success of our Clients
330-446-3606When a child is being abused or mistreated, the state has the authority and responsibility to step in and take action. Similarly, if a child is involved in illegal or dangerous behavior, the state will do everything in its power to educate and rehabilitate the child. At Erb Legal LLC, our experienced attorneys are equipped to help you and your family deal with a wide variety of juvenile law matters.
Wesley is regarded as one of the fiercest defense attorneys in Northeast Ohio.
View Firm AwardsWhen a credible report is made to a government agency regarding possible child abuse or neglect, it is the responsibility of that agency to investigate the situation.
Such an investigation can be stressful and frightening for any parent. The knowledgeable lawyers at Erb Legal understand that many reports of suspected abuse or neglect are based on misunderstandings or misinterpretations of perfectly normal parenting.
In some cases, a simple disagreement over parenting styles can lead a well-meaning person to report concerns to a children’s services agency. In other situations, however, one parent may accuse the other of abuse, neglect, or dependency to gain an advantage in a child custody dispute.
Regardless of where or how the allegations originated, we believe that parents deserve compassionate, thorough representation throughout the legal process. Accusations of abuse, neglect, and dependency will not simply resolve themselves, and unless you take action to protect yourself, your parental rights could be threatened. If you are facing false allegations that you have abused or neglected your child, Erb Legal is here to assist you.
Under Ohio law, most crimes committed by a person under the age of 18 are handled within the state’s juvenile court system. The most serious cases may be transferred to “adult” court, but the juvenile court is designed to help young offenders redirect their lives and become productive, law-abiding adults. At Erb Legal, our skilled juvenile defense lawyers have helped protect the rights of many young people in the area, including those facing:
We recognize that keeping your child’s case in juvenile court is usually in your family’s best interests. With that in mind, we will work to prevent the case from being bound over to an adult court for prosecution. Our lawyers will also help your child avoid an adjudication whenever possible so that the impact on his or her future is minimal. In some cases, diversion programs may be available, and we will assist your family in exploring all of your available options.
A juvenile found to be delinquent for an act that would be a felony for an adult could be committed to the Department of Youth Services for a period of time, possibly until he or she turns 21. An act that would be a misdemeanor could result in detention for a period of days based on the severity of the offense, as well as community service and the suspension of his or her driver’s license. Even a traffic infraction will require a juvenile to attend a hearing rather than just pay the ticket. It is crucial to have an attorney on your side who will advocate for your child at every stage of the justice process.
If you are facing allegations of child abuse or neglect, or if your child has been charged with a juvenile offense, contact our office. Call (330) 446-3606 for a free consultation with a member of our team today. We represent individuals and families across Northeast Ohio, including Summit County, Wayne County, Portage County, and Medina County.