Juvenile process question...PLEASE HELP!!!

[jjwins48]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Kansas
My 15 year old son and 4 other juveniles were arrested for blowing up a residential mailbox on a Thursday 2/25. They were taken to the county juvenile detention center, and were told they would have a hearing either the next day or the following Monday. They didn't have the hearing Friday, and it is scheduled for Mon 3/1 at 1:15pm. None of these boys has ever been arrested or in any trouble at all. My question is regarding this hearing, do I need an attorney specifically for this hearing? It is my understanding that he will have a public defender for the hearing, and it's main purpose is the determine if he will be released to us (parents), and I think, set a court date. We definitely plan on retaining a lawyer, but was told I didn't necessarily need one for this hearing. If it will better our chances of him coming home and being released, then we will start looking early Monday morning. Any advise on this would be greatly appreciated. PLEASE HELP!!!....We want him home!! Thank you..

 

[Ozark_Sophist]

If you are already planning on retaining a lawyer, do it now. Make sure your son knows not to talk to anyone about what happened, but his lawyer.

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Kansas
My 15 year old son and 4 other juveniles were arrested for blowing up a residential mailbox on a Thursday 2/25. They were taken to the county juvenile detention center, and were told they would have a hearing either the next day or the following Monday. They didn't have the hearing Friday, and it is scheduled for Mon 3/1 at 1:15pm. None of these boys has ever been arrested or in any trouble at all. My question is regarding this hearing, do I need an attorney specifically for this hearing? It is my understanding that he will have a public defender for the hearing, and it's main purpose is the determine if he will be released to us (parents), and I think, set a court date. We definitely plan on retaining a lawyer, but was told I didn't necessarily need one for this hearing. If it will better our chances of him coming home and being released, then we will start looking early Monday morning. Any advise on this would be greatly appreciated. PLEASE HELP!!!....We want him home!! Thank you..

You can attempt to get him an attorney but quite frankly why are YOU paying for an attorney for him? Does he have a savings account? A part time job? Any funds?

Your son and the other boys have major issues. What are the charges he is facing? I can see federal charges due to the mailbox. Then there is explosives/weapons charges. Not to mention vandalism and property damage.
When he comes home what should he be expecting?

 

[tickledpink64]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Kansas
Any advise on this would be greatly appreciated. PLEASE HELP!!!....We want him home!! Thank you..

I would retain an attorney as soon as possible and I wish you the best outcome. Your chances of a positive outcome are better with someone who is familiar with the juvenile system/law and unfortuantely that is going to come at a price. I hope your son will learn and grow from this experience.