--- title: "RI Juvenile Crimes Lawyer" url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/ri-juvenile-crimes-lawyer/ date: 2014-10-31 modified: 2026-06-05 author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank" image: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_525920596.jpg type: page lang: en --- # RI Juvenile Crimes Lawyer ## Rhode Island Juvenile Crimes Lawyer According to the RI Department of Public Safety in 2023 alone there were over 2900 criminal juvenile cases recorded in the State of Rhode Island. Over seventy five percent of the juvenile crimes involved children between the ages of 14 to 17 years old. You need to hire an experienced RI Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyer. These crimes included offenses such as assault court violations warrants drug offenses larceny, disorderly behavior, weapons and sex offenses. In 2013 the Unit prosecuted 88 juveniles for school violence cases not including the wayward offenses handled by municipalities. The range of offenses that occurred on school property included assault breaking and entering drug offenses possession of weapons and bomb threats. - RI Juvenile Prosecution[ Unit](http://www.riag.ri.gov/CriminalUnit/JuvenileProsecutionUnit.php) ## Experienced Juvenile Defense Lawyer !(/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_525920596-300x200.jpg) There are thousands of reports and articles highlighting the statistics of juvenile crimes in great detail. Some of these published pieces shed an unfair light on the problems of juvenile crime. (https://www.chadbanklaw.com/) Chad F Bank understands the significance of a juvenile facing criminal charges. His over 22 years of experience in criminal defense cases have given him a keen advantage in handling juvenile and adult criminal law cases. ## Experienced Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney Hiring an experienced juvenile crimes attorney is vital for the representation of your case. Attorney Bank is available to discuss your legal matters 24/7. Our Rhode Island criminal defense law firm is prepared to give your case the time and attention it deserves. Do not leave your future to chance. Call 401-573-2265 to schedule your consultation today. ## Frequently Asked Questions What is juvenile crime in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-24T00:16:25-04:00 #### [ **** What is juvenile crime in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8233) Juvenile crime in Rhode Island refers to criminal offenses committed by persons under 18 years of age, prosecuted in Rhode Island Family Court Juvenile Division rather than adult court. The juvenile system focuses on rehabilitation over punishment, with dispositions including counseling, community service, probation, and (in serious cases) commitment to the Rhode Island Training School. Common juvenile charges include underage drinking, possession of marijuana, theft, vandalism, simple assault, and traffic offenses. Serious felonies (murder, sexual assault, certain violent crimes) committed by juveniles 16 and older can be transferred to adult court for prosecution with adult penalties. Parents have the right to be present during interrogation. Will my child have a criminal record after a juvenile case in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-24T00:16:34-04:00 #### [ **** Will my child have a criminal record after a juvenile case in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8234) Generally not. Rhode Island juvenile court records are confidential and sealed from public view, including from standard background checks for employment, housing, and education. The records do exist within the court system and law enforcement databases but are not publicly accessible. Juvenile records can also be expunged after the juvenile turns 18 if no further criminal involvement occurred. The exception is serious felony cases transferred to adult court — those create permanent adult criminal records visible on background checks. Even for cases that remain in juvenile court, the strong rehabilitation focus and confidentiality protections give juveniles significantly better record outcomes than adult defendants. Can a juvenile be tried as an adult in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-24T00:16:37-04:00 #### [ **** Can a juvenile be tried as an adult in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8235) Yes. Rhode Island law allows juveniles 16 and older to be transferred to adult court for prosecution in serious felony cases including murder, sexual assault, certain violent crimes, and crimes involving firearms. The transfer decision is made by the Family Court after a waiver hearing where the prosecution argues for transfer. Once transferred, the juvenile is prosecuted as an adult with adult penalties including possible prison time and a permanent adult criminal record. Defense work focused on preventing the transfer at the waiver hearing is critical because the consequences of adult prosecution are dramatically worse than juvenile disposition. A juvenile defense lawyer experienced with transfer proceedings can often defeat the transfer motion. What is the Rhode Island Training School?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-24T00:16:42-04:00 #### [ **** What is the Rhode Island Training School? ](#collapse-1-8236) The Rhode Island Training School is the state's juvenile detention facility operated by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). The facility houses juveniles committed by Family Court for serious offenses or repeated probation violations. Commitment to the Training School is the most serious juvenile disposition available, equivalent to adult incarceration in scope. Stays range from short-term assessment placements to commitment until age 21. Defense work focused on alternative dispositions (probation, treatment programs, community-based supervision) is critical to keeping juveniles out of the Training School. The conditions and consequences of Training School commitment can affect a juvenile's development for years. Can juvenile charges be expunged in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-24T00:16:48-04:00 #### [ **** Can juvenile charges be expunged in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8237) Yes. Rhode Island juvenile records can be expunged after the juvenile turns 18, provided no further criminal involvement occurred between the original case and the expungement petition. Juvenile expungement is generally more accessible than adult expungement and has shorter waiting periods. The records were already confidential during the juvenile case, but expungement provides additional protection by destroying the records entirely. For juveniles whose cases were transferred to adult court, the standard adult expungement rules apply (5 years misdemeanor, 10 years felony). Filing for juvenile expungement after 18 is one of the most important steps for protecting young adults' futures from past mistakes. Do I have to be present when my child is questioned by police in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-24T00:16:53-04:00 #### [ **** Do I have to be present when my child is questioned by police in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8238) Yes, generally. Rhode Island law requires parental notification when a juvenile is taken into police custody, and parents have the right to be present during questioning. Juveniles also have the right to a lawyer during interrogation. Statements made by juveniles without parental presence or legal counsel can sometimes be challenged and suppressed. If your child is being questioned by police, demand to be present and demand a lawyer immediately. Do not let your child make statements before legal counsel arrives. Many juvenile cases turn on statements the juvenile made without realizing the consequences, often after waiving rights they did not understand. Will a juvenile charge affect my child's college admissions in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-24T00:17:00-04:00 #### [ **** Will a juvenile charge affect my child's college admissions in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8239) Rhode Island juvenile records are confidential and not visible on standard background checks used by most colleges. Most college applications do not require disclosure of juvenile court involvement, and even when they do, the disclosure is typically limited to convictions (not arrests or dismissed cases). Federal financial aid (FAFSA) historically asked about drug-related convictions but no longer does for most students. Cases transferred to adult court create permanent records that DO affect college admissions and financial aid. The confidentiality protections of the juvenile system are one of its most important features for preserving a young person's future opportunities. Aggressive defense to prevent adult transfer is critical. Do I need a lawyer for my child's juvenile case in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-24T00:17:05-04:00 #### [ **** Do I need a lawyer for my child's juvenile case in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8240) Absolutely. Even though Rhode Island juvenile cases are confidential and focused on rehabilitation, the consequences of poor case handling can affect a young person's entire future. A juvenile defense lawyer can negotiate dispositions that keep your child out of the Training School, prevent transfer to adult court for serious cases, file motions to suppress statements taken without proper parental notification or legal counsel, and work toward outcomes that allow for later expungement. The investment in counsel for a juvenile case is one of the highest-leverage legal expenses a parent can make because the protected outcome shapes decades of the child's life. Call Attorney Chad F Bank at 401-573-2265. ## Juvenile Crimes Defense Office Location ### RI Juvenile Crimes Lawyer The Law Office of Chad F Bank $ https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cropped-the-law-office-of-chad-f-bank-logo-square.jpg 127 Dorrance St Providence , RI 02903 Phone: 401-573-2265