Juvenile

Juveniles who have been charged with a criminal offense have their cases heard in Family Court, not Criminal Court. In New Jersey, the court system deems that the appropriate setting as opposed to a criminal court. When a child has been charged with a juvenile offense, there is no discretion as to, whether or not; they are going to be represented by council. The law requires that a child be represented. So, either the parent hires an attorney or if they can’t afford an attorney, the court appoint a public defender, there is no discretion.