Getting a call from the police about your child being arrested is a moment no parent ever wants to face. It’s scary, confusing, and emotional. But an arrest doesn’t mean your child’s future is ruined. Maryland has specific laws that guide how juveniles—anyone under 18—are treated in the legal system. Acting quickly and hiring an experienced Juvenile criminal defense lawyer in Baltimore can make all the difference.
If your child has been accused of a juvenile offense in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, early legal guidance is essential. Whether the charge involves theft, assault, or another delinquency matter, The Bishop Law Group’s Baltimore criminal defense lawyers are here to help protect your child’s future.
Understanding Juvenile Rights
Maryland law gives juveniles important rights. For example, police officers are not allowed to question minors without a lawyer present. This rule helps protect children from making decisions they don’t fully understand.
Hiring a Baltimore juvenile criminal defense attorney is also important during school expulsion hearings, intake hearings, and court appearances.
Goals of Juvenile Defense
In juvenile cases, lawyers focus on two main goals:
- Keeping the child’s life stable — staying in school and living at home.
- Avoiding long-term damage — preventing a criminal record that could hurt future education or job opportunities.
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving Baltimore, call (410) 390-3101
Common Juvenile Charges
Juveniles in Maryland can be charged with the same criminal offenses as adults, including theft, assault, drug possession, and firearm violations. However, certain crimes remain more prevalent among teens due to age-related circumstances and social environments.
In 2024, Maryland reported approximately 7,800 juvenile arrests, reflecting a slight decline from previous years.
According to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and the Baltimore Police Department, property crimes and drug–related offenses continue to make up a significant portion of juvenile cases. For example:
- Burglary and auto theft remain among the top charges for youth under 18.
- Assault cases, especially those occurring in school settings, have seen a modest increase.
- Marijuana–related offenses are still common, despite changes in adult cannabis laws.
- Alcohol possession violations are widespread among minors, particularly in urban and college-adjacent areas.
Nationwide, juvenile arrests have dropped by 75% since 2000, but localized spikes in certain offenses—such as robbery and school-based violence—continue to raise concern.
In Baltimore City alone, 458 youth arrests were recorded through July 2024, which is nearly half the number reported during the same period in 2019.
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Intake Hearings and Probation
After a juvenile is arrested or cited, the case is usually scheduled for an intake hearing within 30 days. At this meeting, a juvenile services officer decides what happens next:
- Best case: The officer closes the case with a warning.
- Second–best: The child is placed on informal probation for 90 days.
- Worst case: The matter is sent to court for formal prosecution.
For felony charges, the case must be forwarded to the State’s Attorney. However, a Baltimore juvenile criminal defense lawyer can argue that charges should not be filed.
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Adult Charges for Juveniles
If a child is 16 or older and accused of a serious crime—like robbery or assault—they may be charged as an adult. In these cases, the court can hold a transfer hearing to decide if the case should move to juvenile court.
The judge looks at five key factors:
- Whether the child can benefit from treatment
- Public safety concerns
- Details of the alleged crime
- The child’s age
- Physical and mental health
A motion for transfer must be filed within 30 days of the arrest. The judge usually makes a decision right after the hearing.
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Why Juvenile Cases Matter
Juvenile records are sealed from public view, but they can still show up on background checks. These cases don’t automatically disappear when a child turns 18. That’s why it’s so important to treat juvenile defense with the same seriousness as adult criminal cases.
How The Bishop Law Group’s Baltimore Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help
At the Bishop Law Group, we understand how stressful and uncertain it can be when your child is facing criminal charges. Our experienced juvenile defense attorneys in Baltimore are dedicated to protecting your child’s rights and future.
With the right legal strategy, many juvenile cases can be dismissed, diverted, or resolved without lasting consequences.
We guide families through every stage of the process—from intake hearings to courtroom trials—working to keep your child in school, at home, and on track for a better future.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
