Hartland, MI Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

You need to retain an attorney. Based on those facts, there is a very good chance to have the charges dismissed outright so he does not have to deal with any sentence (or disposition as it is called for juveniles). If the case is not dismissed he is likely eligible for a diversionary program that requires some counseling and community service, but no finding of guilt. Even if he does have to go to court and is found guilty, the most likely penalty is probation with community service and counseling, but time in juvenile detention is possible. You need an attorney because a parent cannot represent a child in family court on these charges and your son cannot represent himself. If you cannot afford an attorney, he will get a public defender. You would be better off with a private attorney who can get into the case early and speak with the prosecutor, because a public defender will not look at the file until the day of court. Feel free to contact me for a free consultation.

First, you may want to consider setting up video surveillance so that you can prove that your dogs and kids are not loose or misbehaving as he claims. Then, after he calls the police you can show it to them, and they will let him know he can be charged for making false reports. If he doesn't stop you can see for interference with your property rights.