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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.

FAQS

Frequently Asked
Questions

Lo Piccolo Law
is dedicated
to protecting your rights, your freedom,
and your future at
every stage of
your case.

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What do I do if I have been arrested?

Police will either hold a person to see a Judge within 24 hours OR they will be issued a Desk Appearance Ticket. Either way, an attorney should be retained for the first court appearance. Please contact us if we can help you or a loved one.

A bench warrant means that court was missed, and if you come in contact with the police or other law enforcement, you will be detained and brought to court involuntarily. IF that happens, your family should contact an attorney to appear with you at court because bail can be set and you can be detained at the local jail.

You can vacate a bench warrant voluntarily by appearing with an attorney at the clerk’s office of the court where the bench warrant was issued. You will then go before a Judge to vacate the warrant. An attorney should be present to advocate for your continued liberty.

Arrest warrants are less common but the same procedures apply in those situations.

Most court appearances are logged in the New York State Courts
database, commonly referred to as WEBCRIMS.

https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim_attorney/DefendantSearch

Please note that mis-spelling is common and that Desk Appearance
Tickets may not appear until a few days before the date on the ticket
OR not at all. Sometimes, these cases will not be logged into the system
until after that first initial appearance.

New York State Courts, as well as local village courts can be found at: LINK

Federal Courts can be found https://www.uscourts.gov/

For Nassau County Jail
https://app.nassaucountyny.gov/Sheriff/inmate_visit/A.

For Suffolk County Jail
https://www.suffolkcountysheriffsoffice.com/visiting-information

There are rules for each visit so please review them when preparing
to visit a loved one or friend.

For Nassau County Jail: LINK

For the Suffolk County Jail: LINK

Courts provide a date for all payments. IF you are unsure of the date and/or amount of fines due, please contact the Court directly or your attorney.

Felony charges are the more serious criminal charges in NYS. They range from levels A to E, with A being the most serious and E being the least serious. There are also non-violent and violent felonies depending on the specific facts of each case. The most serious felonies in New York can carry a life sentence, a determinate sentence ranging from 5-25 years for the more serious violent felonies to non-mandatory jail for many non-violent felonies, depending on the accused criminal history.

Misdemeanor charges are lesser offenses ranging from A to B misdemeanors, with A misdemeanors being the more serious offenses. They carry a potential sentence of one year in jail, 3 years probation, or a combination of the two. While less serious than felonies, the risk of a criminal record from a conviction is still real and needs an attorney to advise and defend.

What is Bail?
Bail is a securing order to ensure an accused’s return to court. IF Bail is
set, a person is detained at the local jail until bail is posted. If Bail is set,
it can be posted at arraignments if family is present, 24 hours a day at the
local jail and Monday through Friday between 9-4:30 p.m. at the Court.
If you are posting a Partially Secured Bond (please allow at least 2 hours
for this process).

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Garden City, NY 11530

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