COLUMBUS JUVENILE DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Trusted Juvenile Defense

a young teen in a hooded sweatshirt looking sad while facing juvenile charges

Protecting Your Child’s Future in Ohio’s Juvenile Justice System

A juvenile arrest can be overwhelming for both your child and your family.

At Akamine Law, we specialize in defending minors in Columbus and across Ohio, including cases involving drug offenses, violent crimes, and theft-related charges.

Our focus is protecting your child's rights, minimizing legal consequences, and keeping their future intact.

Understanding Ohio's Juvenile Justice System

Juvenile court operates differently from adult court:

Youth are found “delinquent,” not “guilty”
Cases are heard by a judge, not a jury
Emphasis on rehabilitation and education
Records can often be sealed to protect future opportunities

Common Juvenile Charges We Defend

Theft and property crimes
Drug possession and distribution
Assault and violent offenses
Sexual offenses
Vandalism and disorderly conduct
Probation violations
Truancy and school-related offenses
Weapons possession
DUI/OVI

What Happens When a Juvenile is Arrested?

Initial Detention & Questioning – Understanding your child’s constitutional rights during police interactions is crucial.
Release or Detention – Often depends on offense severity.
Arraignment – First court appearance.
Pretrial Negotiations / Diversion Programs – Explore alternatives to formal adjudication.
Adjudication Hearing – The juvenile version of a trial.
Disposition Hearing – Judge determines penalties or rehabilitation requirements.

Potential Consequences for Juveniles

Even though the focus is on rehabilitation, consequences can include:

Probation or community service
Counseling or substance abuse programs
Juvenile detention or group home placement
GPS monitoring
Possible transfer to adult court for serious offenses

Defense Strategies We Use

Case Investigation: Review all evidence, witness statements, and law enforcement procedures.
Challenging Searches: Ensure your child’s rights were not violated during searches or questioning.
Negotiation: Advocate for diversion programs or reduced charges.
Trial Preparation: If necessary, present a strong defense in court.
Post-Adjudication Support: Help seal records, reduce penalties, and navigate rehabilitation programs.

What Our Clients
Are Saying

"Mr. Akamine’s representation allowed me to learn and grow from my mistakes without having to pay for them for the rest of my life. I would highly recommend Mr. Akamine’s services to anyone in need of representation in the Central Ohio area."

Anthony N., ★★★★★ Google Review

"Thank you for a job well done. I appreciate that you took my calls and treated me with respect. I can’t thank you enough for everything you've done. I will recommend you to everyone I know."

- Angie R. ★★★★★

"He was a great attorney defending my case."

Requel King, ★★★★★ Google Review

"My husband was facing serious jail time because of his prior DUI cases. Mr. Akamine encouraged him to get the help he needed in a treatment program and convinced the Prosecutor and Judge to allow him to do house arrest instead of jail. We can't thank you enough."

-Amy and John K.★★★★★

"I didn't hire a lawyer for my first DUI. That was a mistake. Mr. Akamine goes above and beyond. Lawyer of the year in my option. I'll never go anywhere else for my legal issues."

-Adam D.★★★★★

"Mr. Akamine represented my son several times in the past. He recommended the best actions to take in court and he truly cared about us. I called often and Mr. Akamine always was able to make me feel better about my son's situation. Thank you, thank you."

-Donna F. ★★★★★

Juvenile vs. Adult Court

Some juveniles may be tried as adults (bindover), meaning they could face felony-level charges and adult criminal penalties. We fight to keep cases in juvenile court to prioritize rehabilitation and minimize long-term consequences.

Sealing Juvenile Records in Ohio

Sealing records protects your child’s educational, employment, and future opportunities, similar to record sealing and expungement options available in adult cases.

Talk to Nathan Akamine for FREE

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, let's talk.

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Why choose us?

If your child is facing criminal charges in Ohio, you need an attorney who understands the unique aspects of the criminal justice system.

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Personalized Defense

You won't be just another case number. We take the time to get to know you and understand the details of your situation. You'll get the attention your case and your future deserve.

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Local Experience

Years of experience in Columbus courtrooms have allowed us to build professional relationships with local prosecutors and judges that can benefit your case through more productive negotiations and respected advocacy.

Highly Recommended

Most of my clients come from word of mouth. My past clients know how I've helped them and they recommend me to their family and friends. That's the best endorsement I could ask for.

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Proven Results

We get the results you need while taking a human-based approach. We care about you, we're here for you, and we recognize this is the toughest time of your life.

Common

Questions

At what age can a juvenile be tried as an adult in Ohio?

Juveniles as young as 14 can potentially be tried as adults for certain serious offenses. This process, known as "bindover," is not automatic and depends on factors such as:

The nature and severity of the alleged offense
The juvenile's prior record
The juvenile's mental and emotional maturity
A skilled juvenile defense attorney will fight to keep your child's case in juvenile court whenever possible.

What is a diversion program, and how can it benefit my child?

Diversion programs are alternative interventions designed to redirect youth from formal processing in the juvenile justice system. Benefits include:

Avoiding a formal delinquency record
Focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment
Addressing underlying issues (e.g., substance abuse, mental health)
Potentially shorter duration than formal probation

Eligibility typically depends on the nature of the offense and your child's prior record. An experienced attorney can advocate for your child's participation in these programs.

How long does a juvenile case typically take in Columbus?

The duration of a juvenile case in can vary depending on several factors:

The complexity of the case
Whether the case goes to trial or is resolved through plea negotiations
Court schedules and potential backlogs
Participation in diversion programs

Simple cases might be resolved in a few weeks, while more complex cases could take several months. We can give you a more accurate timeline based on your child's specific situation.

What rights do parents have in the juvenile justice process in Ohio?

As a parent of a juvenile involved in the Ohio justice system, you have several important rights:

to be notified of your child's arrest and court appearances
to be present at all court hearings
to participate in developing a treatment or rehabilitation plan
to access your child's court records
to appeal decisions made by the juvenile court

However, it's crucial to remember that your child also has independent rights, including the right to an attorney. Don't worry, we can help you navigate this complex process while respecting both your rights and your child's.

Can my child be required to register as a sex offender for a juvenile offense in Ohio?

Yes, but it's not automatic and differs from adult registration:

Registration requires a separate hearing and is not mandatory.
The court considers factors like offense nature, age, and reoffending risk.
Registration periods are typically shorter than for adults.
Juvenile registry information is generally not public.
Early removal from the registry may be possible.

As your child's attorney, we can:

Challenge the need for registration
Argue for minimal restrictions if registration is ordered
Pursue early removal options
Guide your family through this complex process

Remember, the juvenile system focuses on rehabilitation. With proper legal representation, it's possible to avoid registration or minimize its impact on your child's future.

Still have questions?

If your child is facing criminal charges in Ohio, don't wait to seek legal representation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start building a robust defense strategy on your behalf.

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