Legal Question in Criminal Law in Tennessee

juvenile representation

My stepson is 17. he received 2 juvenile summons; one for alchohol possesion by a minor, and the other for criminal trespass. Seems that he and his buddies went to a friends house & had a big party. The problem was, the "friend" & his family were out of town on vacation. The police were called on a distrubance call & found out that no one at the party had permission to be in the house. My stepson had a 6-pack of beer (2 already consumed) When the owners got back, they pressed charges for criminal trespass. Question(s):

-Can you have a lawyer in Juvenile Court? (Shelby County Tennessee)

-Do we need a lawyer?

This is the first time my stepson has been in any sort of problem with the law...needless to say, we are very upset.

Thanks for your help!


Asked on 7/11/99, 10:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jes Beard Jes Beard, Attorney at Law

Re: juvenile representation

Yes your stepson has a constitutional right to an attorney, and you husband (his legal guardian) also has a right to be present.... USE both of those rights.

And yes he NEEDS a lawyer. Check the Criminal Law links on my webpage at http://www.jesbeard.com for more general information

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Answered on 7/15/99, 9:21 pm


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