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Adolescent / Juvenile Criminal Matters in Family Court

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In New York, criminal allegations involving minors are handled very differently from adult criminal cases. When a young person is charged with an offense, the case may fall under the state’s Raise the Age laws, which were designed to ensure that adolescents are treated in a developmentally appropriate and rehabilitative court system.

Depending on the age of the youth and the seriousness of the charge, the matter may be heard in Family Court as either a Juvenile Delinquency (JD) case or an Adolescent Offender (AO) case that has been transferred from the Youth Part of Criminal Court.

What Makes Family Court Different?

Family Court focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This means:

  • Proceedings are confidential.
  • Judges have access to a wide range of diversion and intervention services.
  • The goal is to address underlying issues—family, school, behavioral health—while minimizing long-term consequences.
  • Records are generally sealed, giving young people the chance to move forward without a criminal conviction.

Juvenile Delinquency (JD) Matters

A JD case involves a child aged 7 to 15 accused of conduct that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult. These cases begin in Family Court and involve:

  • An intake and assessment by the Presentment Agency (usually Probation)
  • Possible adjustment (informal resolution)
  • Fact-finding and dispositional hearings if the matter proceeds
  • Court-ordered services, supervision, or placement only when necessary

Adolescent Offender (AO) Cases in Family Court

For 16- and 17-year-olds charged with certain felonies, cases begin in the Youth Part of Criminal Court.
However, many of these matters are transferred to Family Court, where:

  • The youth is treated similarly to a JD respondent
  • The focus shifts from punitive sanctions to youth-appropriate services
  • Most outcomes avoid a permanent criminal record

Why Representation Matters

Even though Family Court is less punitive, the consequences can still be serious. Court outcomes can impact a young person’s education, employment opportunities, and future record.

A knowledgeable defense attorney:

  • Protects the adolescent’s rights at every stage
  • Advocates for diversion programs and alternatives to detention
  • Works to keep the case out of the adult criminal system
  • Helps secure outcomes that focus on growth rather than punishment
  • Guides both the child and the parents through the process
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THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS NOT MEANT TO TAKE THE PLACE OF A CONSULTATION WITH AN EXPERIENCED LOCAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY.

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