Juvenile law applies to young children and teenagers—usually defined as less than eighteen years old, depending on the state. Minors accused of breaking the law are processed under a juvenile justice system. This system is completely separate from the one used for adults, and the penalties involved are usually far less severe than in the adult system. Juvenile law also carries certain protections that do not apply to adults; for example, names are kept confidential and parents can be present during police questioning. A lawyer who specializes in juvenile law will help minors understand the juvenile justice system and present their defense in juvenile court.
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