Minnesota Juvenile Defense Attorney
Last updated on May 6, 2025
Young people often make mistakes. It’s part of growing and learning. However, when these errors lead to criminal charges, the legal fallout can last long.
Here at Gerlach Law, I help minors or their parents who need legal support for juvenile criminal charges. As a former prosecutor, I have seen young people face harsh sentences and wrongful convictions.
As your lawyer, I will fight to give your child a fair trial and to help ensure this is an opportunity for growth and redemption, rather than a permanent stain on their record, and fight to protect your child’s rights, reputation, and future prospects.
Juvenile Crimes
I handle many types of juvenile crimes, such as:
- Underage drinking and underage DWI/DUI
- Traffic violations
- Drug offenses (like possession and sales)
- Shoplifting and theft
- Sexual assault and sex crimes
- Disorderly conduct and assault
- Weapons offenses
- Homicide
As a juvenile defense attorney, I work closely with Minnesota courts, probation officers and social workers. I aim to secure fair juvenile dispositions. My focus is to reduce future harm. If needed, I take cases to trial and vigorously defend you.
Juvenile Defense FAQs
Here are common questions I hear from clients about juvenile crimes:
Can I be tried as an adult, and what does that mean?
In Minnesota, you might face adult court for serious crimes, like violent acts or felonies, or if you’re nearly an adult (usually 16 or 17). The choice depends on the crime’s severity, record and chances of juvenile court reform. Adult court brings harsher penalties, like adult prison and a public record. This can hurt your job, school or housing prospects.
How do juvenile court proceedings differ from adult court, and why is a sealed record helpful?
Unlike adult courts, which focus on accountability, juvenile courts aim to rehabilitate, not punish. Juvenile hearings are private, and records are often sealed. Dispositions, like probation or programs, help youths grow. Adult court is public, with open trials and records, and penalties may include jail. A sealed juvenile record keeps your past private. This protects your chances for jobs, school or housing.
What sets juvenile and adult criminal defense apart, and how can a juvenile defense attorney assist?
Juvenile defense focuses on rehabilitation, not punishment. It uses unique terms (like “delinquency” instead of “crime”) and outcomes, like counseling, not prison. Adult defense involves stricter penalties and public records. I help by creating plans to reduce consequences, seeking alternatives to detention and keeping your case out of adult court.
How can a Minnesota juvenile delinquency lawyer help?
I can guide you through the system as a Minnesota juvenile delinquency lawyer. I can protect your rights and work to keep your case in juvenile court. I can negotiate fair dispositions and push for rehabilitation, like counseling. I team up with probation officers and social workers to limit impacts on your school, job and life. I fight to seal your records.
Keeping Cases In Juvenile Court
Minnesota juvenile courts focus on rehabilitating young people, not punishing them. However, the state may push your case to adult court for serious crimes. There, you could face adult jail or prison. I work to keep your case in juvenile court.
Call Gerlach Law at 952-952-9723 or contact me for a free case evaluation.