One of the pages on our website gives an overview on what to expect with a juvenile traffic charge in Ohio. While that information is useful as one of our pages, we thought it could also be helpful on our blog. So, without reiterating the whole article word for word, we will share some of the same information in this blog post.
Penalties for Juvenile Traffic Offenders
As we went over in our recent article on the topic, juvenile traffic offenders often face suspension of their license. Juvenile detention time is possible, especially with an OVI charge. In addition, they can face probation or community control, court costs and fines, additional driving corse requirements, and restitution to any victims of the offense.
The Juvenile Traffic Court Process
In adult Court, defendants plea “guilty” or “not guilty.” In Juvenile Court the juvenile defendant enters either a “plea of admission” or “plea of denial.” The court’s decision at the end of the case is called a “disposition” (as opposed to the word “sentence” which you have probably heard from adult Court). This is true whether the juvenile case is a traffic case or not. If the Court receives a plea of “denial,” the case is set for trial. Both sides of the case can have witnesses at the trial. Keep in mind that the State can call the officer who wrote the citation as a witness
Additional Rules for Juvenile Drivers
If the cops pull a vehicle over for traffic violations, they can charge juveniles with all the same offenses as adults. Also, juveniles have other restrictions that can get them in trouble. Juveniles can get in trouble for things like driving with too many passengers or driving too late at night. Adults usually do not face those kinds of charges unless there is a specific reason why they are restricted.
Other Considerations
As we also mention in our other article, juvenile defendants and their parents should keep in mind. For example, juveniles should make sure they dress appropriately for court. While we are on that topic, juveniles should know that they are required to show up to court on the day their citation specifies. The defendants parent or legal guardian must be present as well.
Conclusion
If you or your child is facing a juvenile traffic charge in Ohio, you can read the applicable laws in The Ohio Revised Code (ORC). Some of the most applicable sections are Section 4510.31 Section 2152.21. And feel free to contact the expert attorneys at Dearie, Fischer & Martinson. Our lawyers have been practicing in Southwest Ohio for over 30 years, and have seen many different types of juvenile and adult cases.
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