Juvenile Lawyer

When your child is facing criminal charges or delinquency proceedings, your world stops. You're scared, confused, and desperate to protect their future. At Bourget & Banda, we understand that one mistake shouldn't define a young person's life-and we're here to make sure it doesn't.

When Your Child Faces Legal Trouble

Juvenile law in Maine focuses on minors under 18 who have been accused of crimes or delinquent behavior. Under Title 15, Chapter 507 of Maine's statutes, the juvenile justice system prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. But that doesn't mean the stakes are low. Without experienced legal representation, your child could face detention at Long Creek Youth Development Center, probation, or consequences that affect college admissions, employment, and housing for years.

A juvenile defense attorney specializes in representing minors through every stage of the legal process. Our attorneys have appeared in juvenile courts across Kennebec, Penobscot, and Cumberland counties. We know the judges, prosecutors, and probation officers who will handle your child's case. We understand how to negotiate diversion programs, argue for alternative sentencing through Maine's Juvenile Community Correction Alternative program, and fight to keep your child's record clean. This isn't just criminal defense-it's about protecting a young person's chance at a normal life.

Common Cases We Handle

1. Over the past two decades, we've represented juveniles accused of:
2. Drug possession, underage drinking, or marijuana offenses
3. Assault, domestic violence, or fighting at school
4. Theft, shoplifting from local businesses, or vandalism
5. DUI/OWI, operating without a license, or joyriding
6. Truancy violations or chronic absenteeism
7. School-related offenses, including threats or possession of prohibited items

We also handle status offenses-actions only illegal because of the child's age-like running away, violating curfew, or consuming alcohol.

How Maine Juvenile Court Works

Maine's juvenile court process differs significantly from adult criminal proceedings. Law enforcement investigates the allegation, and your child may be questioned or taken into custody. You have the right to request an attorney before any questioning-exercise this right immediately.

The District Attorney decides whether to file a petition. Your child will attend an adjudicatory hearing before a single judge-no jury. The judge determines whether the state proved its case by a preponderance of the evidence, a lower standard than adult criminal court's "beyond a reasonable doubt."
If found responsible, the dispositional hearing determines consequences. We've successfully argued for informal adjustments, community service with local organizations, counseling through MaineCare providers, and probation instead of detention. Most cases resolve within three to six months. Initial detention hearings occur within 48 hours of arrest.

Protecting Your Child's Record

Juvenile records in Maine remain confidential under 15 M.R.S. § 3308. They're not accessible to most employers or educational institutions. However, they exist within the justice system and can impact future charges.

Maine law allows eligible juveniles to seal records once they turn 18 or three years after case completion, whichever is later. Our expungement attorneys have filed dozens of successful petitions in Augusta, Bangor, and Portland courts. We guide families through every step to ensure your child can truthfully answer "no" when asked about criminal history.

Get Help From Experienced Maine Juvenile Attorneys

At Bourget & Banda, we've defended young people in Maine's juvenile courts since 2001. Our attorneys understand Maine-specific programs like restorative justice conferences and conditional dismissals. We've helped hundreds of families navigate this system during the worst moments of their lives.
If your child is in trouble, call us immediately. We offer confidential consultations where we review the charges, explain realistic outcomes based on similar cases we've handled, and outline a defense strategy.

Contact us today to protect your child's future.