juevenille probation

[msfjm]

Can our 16 year old son be placed on a 6 month probation without it being court ordered? We live in PA. He pled innocent to the charges that were filed against him - there has been no court hearing his case - and somehow today he was placed on probation! We believe in his innocence and want to help him through this. Our attorney thought it would be best because there will be no record of this. I thought that a judge had to order probation???

 

[hannah jo]

Sometimes a Da agrees to a type of "pretrial" probation - meaing he will do the time and if he complies with all of the requirements of probation, they will not prosecute ont he charges. This way he will not have any criminal record. if he can succeed with the probation, it will be to his advantage to have the matter handled this way. If there is doubt as to whether he will fulfill the conditions of the 6 month probation - and is innocent - you can take your chances at trial. It is a gamble which only you and, more importantly, your son can decide.

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Please note that these comments do not constitute legal advice. It is always recommended that you consult with a local attorney, who can explore all the facts and issues of your specific situation and then advise you of any legal rights and remedies you may have under the current laws of your jurisdiction.