Defending Youthful Offender

Defending A Youthful Offender: What Parents Need to Know

As a parent, learning that your child has been arrested is likely one of your worst nightmares. It’s a time filled with confusion, fear, and frustration—especially when law enforcement is involved. You may not know where to turn or what steps to take. This is where an experienced attorney in youthful offender matters can guide you and your child through the legal process and toward a brighter future.

At the Law Office of Rex M. Pietrobono, we understand the unique challenges faced by our youth today. Our goal is to help minimize the long-term impact of a mistake while ensuring accountability and growth for your child.

The Legal Process for Youthful Offenders

The first step in defending a youthful offender is understanding their unique situation. Young people between the ages of 16 to 19 (i.e., 18 years old) are still developing emotionally and socially. That’s why it’s important to treat them with compassion and provide guidance to help them move forward constructively, while recognizing that there are real-world consequences of their choices and actions.

If your child is injured or unduly distressed following an arrest, their well-being is our priority. Once they are stable, we focus on the facts of the case and craft a defense strategy aimed at:

• Eliminating or mitigating the charges.
• Demonstrating that your child has learned from the experience.
• Protecting their record from permanent harm by seeking confidential proceedings and record sealing, perhaps as a Youthful Offender or ‘YO.’

Our collective, ultimate goal is to ensure that your child has every opportunity to move on without being weighed down by past mistakes.

Achieving The Best Outcome for Your Child

Youthful offenders in New York may qualify for programs and protections designed to help them avoid a criminal record. These include:

Adjournments In Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD): Under this program, charges are dismissed typically after 6–12 months if certain conditions are met.

Youthful Offender (YO) Status: This resolution lane, (sometimes ‘mandatory’ even), allows for persons at least 16 but less than 19 years old for confidential proceedings, non-criminal pleas, and sealing of records, ensuring your child’s future isn’t defined by one misstep.

We also work with a network of counselors, therapists, and court-approved programs to address any underlying issues, such as substance use, that may have contributed to the incident. Showing the court that your child is taking positive steps often results in greater leniency from prosecutors and judges.

The Types of Cases We Handle

We defend young clients in New York State against a variety of charges, frequently including:

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Reckless driving, drag racing, or excessive speeding
• Driving with a suspended license

Call a Trusted Advocate for Youthful Offenders In Westchester County, NY Today

Having an experienced attorney by your child’s side can bring peace of mind during this stressful time. With over 30 years of experience, Attorney Rex Pietrobono is committed to protecting their future. His deep legal knowledge and his collaborative approach with local professionals ensure that your child receives the best possible defense.

If your child is facing legal trouble, don’t wait. Contact the Law Office of Rex M. Pietrobono at (914) 301-7500 for a free initial case evaluation. We’re here to help your family find a path forward.