Number of Minors Charged as Adults on the Rise in Chicago

Illinois is one of ten states in the U.S. which automatically treats 17-year-olds charged with a felony offense as an adult in the criminal system. The cases of 17-year-olds accused of misdemeanor offenses remain in the juvenile court system. Statistics show that the number of minors convicted of a felony crime in Cook County in 2011 is up 15% from 2007. Predictions are that 2012 will surpass even last year's numbers especially considering that this past April had 41% higher underage teen felony convictions than April of 2011. Another disturbing statistic from the U.S. Bureau of Justice showed that over 6,000 17-year-olds were arrested in 2009 (the most recent year that this data was made available). Combining the totals of that year for the three other reporting cities with the next highest arrest statistics only barely surpasses Chicago's total (those reporting cities were Los Angeles, Houston and Philadelphia). Critics of the law which charges 17-year-olds as adults for felony crimes feel that these statistics show that the law is not deterring juvenile crime but doing the opposite. The data also suggests that this system is making it more likely for these young individuals to become repeat offenders. Make sure you have excellent representation on your side if you, your son or daughter has been charged with a crime by speaking with a criminal defense attorney now.

17-Year-Old Faces Felony Drug Charges

J.B. recently made his fourth criminal court appearance in connection to an extensive undercover operation conducted by authorities earlier this year to bust drug dealers. An undercover officer says that the 17-year-old sold him $40 of heroin and that this incident was one of two times the teen sold to an officer during the sting. Dealing drugs such as cocaine or heroin in any amount is a felony drug crime punishable by several years in prison and expensive fines.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago

Whether you are an adult or juvenile, criminal charges can have harsh consequences which can affect your future and your freedom. That is why it is absolutely vital that you have a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side that you can trust to get you the best outcome possible. Don't face felony or misdemeanor charges on your own or leave it to an over-worked public defender. Contact us at the Law Offices of Mitch Furman now to schedule a free initial consultation. We fight for our client's rights and freedom.