Finding out that your child is accused of a crime can turn your world upside down. You may be getting calls from police, school staff, or court services and feel pressured to make quick decisions. In this moment, you need clear information and a calm guide, not more confusion.
At Addair Law, we represent young people in juvenile cases and help parents understand what is happening and what comes next. As a juvenile defense attorney in Manhattan, we focus on criminal defense and related issues so we can give you focused, practical advice when the stakes feel high.
Our firm has been based in Manhattan, Kansas since 2005 and we regularly work with families from Riley County and the surrounding area. We serve both English and Spanish speakers and offer virtual consultations when getting to our office is difficult. You do not have to face the juvenile system alone.
A juvenile arrest doesn't have to lead to a lifetime of consequences. As a dedicated juvenile defense attorney in Manhattan, we fight to keep your child’s record clean and their future bright. Call Addair Law at (785) 645-2732 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are proud to offer bilingual representation for all families.
Understanding Juvenile Crimes Laws in Kansas
Juvenile cases in Kansas are governed by the Revised Kansas Juvenile Justice Code (K.S.A. 38-2301 et seq.). Unlike the adult system, which seeks to punish, the stated goal of the juvenile code is to promote public safety while holding young offenders accountable in a way that helps them live productively in the community. However, the system has become increasingly formal and adversarial over the years.
In Manhattan, juvenile cases are typically handled in the Riley County District Court. A "juvenile offender" is generally defined as anyone between the ages of 10 and 17 who commits an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult. It is important to distinguish these from "Child in Need of Care" (CINC) cases, which focus on a child's welfare rather than alleged criminal activity.
As your Manhattan juvenile crimes lawyer, we handle a wide range of allegations, including:
Theft and Shoplifting: Often occurring at local retailers or on campus, these are common "entry-level" charges that still require a strong defense to avoid a permanent record.
Vandalism and Criminal Trespass: Often involving graffiti or entering property without permission.
Battery and Assault: Fights at school or in public can lead to "person felony" charges if an injury or a weapon is involved.
Drug Possession: Allegations involving marijuana or prescription drugs are taken very seriously and often trigger mandatory evaluations.
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Juvenile cases are handled under different laws than adult criminal cases and the goals are usually more focused on accountability and rehabilitation than on punishment alone. The language is different too. For example, courts may refer to a “delinquency” case or an “adjudication” rather than a conviction.
Many juvenile matters in Riley County and nearby counties start with a report by police or school staff. Depending on the situation, a young person might receive a citation, be taken into custody briefly, or be referred for further review by the county or district attorney’s office. If a case moves forward, an intake or first appearance is typically scheduled at the courthouse that serves the county where the incident occurred.
From there, the case may follow several possible paths. Some youth are offered diversion, which can be an opportunity to take responsibility, complete certain conditions, and work toward avoiding a formal adjudication. Other cases proceed to hearings where a judge listens to evidence and decides whether the allegations are proven. Possible outcomes can include supervision at home, probation, placement in a program, or in more serious situations, time in a juvenile facility.
Why Families Turn To Our Firm
Parents often turn to our firm after an arrest, school incident, or notice of an upcoming hearing, feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. We listen carefully to both the child and the parents to understand the circumstances, goals, and concerns. This personalized approach helps us guide families through what can be a confusing and emotional process.
At Addair Law, our attorneys focus on specific practice areas, including juvenile criminal defense. This allows us to stay current on laws, procedures, and local practices that affect young people in Kansas. Clients work directly with lawyers who handle these matters daily, ensuring expertise and attention tailored to juvenile cases rather than generalized legal advice.
Our firm’s local knowledge and community ties strengthen our representation. We are familiar with courts across central and northeastern Kansas and offer bilingual services in English and Spanish, as well as virtual meetings for families with transportation or location challenges. Beyond legal work, we support youth programs, scholarships, and military families, showing a genuine commitment to the well-being of young people in the community.
Steps To Take After A Juvenile Charge
In the first hours and days after learning about a juvenile accusation, parents often feel pulled in many directions. You may be trying to comfort your child, respond to calls from officials, and understand confusing paperwork. Taking a few careful steps can help protect your child’s rights while you gather more information.
Here are practical actions many parents find helpful:
Stay calm with your child and remind them not to discuss details of the incident with anyone until you have legal guidance.
Be cautious about letting your child speak alone with police officers, school administrators, or probation staff. It is often better to have a parent and, when possible, an attorney present for important conversations.
Collect and organize any paperwork you receive, including citations, letters from the court, notices from the school, and any conditions for release. Note all dates, times, and locations listed.
Write down your child’s version of events as soon as you can, along with names of witnesses, teachers, coaches, or others who may have information.
Avoid posting about the situation on social media or discussing it widely. Public comments can sometimes be misunderstood or later used in ways families did not expect.
Contact a juvenile defense attorney as early as you reasonably can so you can ask questions about what to expect at the first hearing and how to respond to requests from officials.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Juvenile Adjudications
The "sentencing" phase in juvenile court is called a Dispositional Hearing. The judge has a variety of alternatives under K.S.A. 38-2361, and having a juvenile defense attorney in Manhattan is crucial to advocating for the least restrictive option.
Probation and Intensive Supervision: The juvenile stays at home but must follow strict rules, such as curfews, drug testing, and maintaining good school attendance.
Custody of the Secretary of Corrections: In more serious cases, a juvenile may be placed in a group home, a foster home, or a youth residential facility.
Juvenile Correctional Facility (JCF): This is the juvenile equivalent of prison. While rare for first-time offenders, it is a possibility for serious or repeat offenses.
Fines and Restitution: Juveniles (and often their parents) may be ordered to pay for damages caused to victims or to pay court fees.
Educational and Career Barriers: An adjudication can lead to suspension or expulsion from school. It can also affect college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and future employment in fields requiring background checks.
Driver's License Suspension: Many juvenile offenses, even those not involving a vehicle, can result in the loss of driving privileges.
Protecting Your Child’s Future Locally
Parents often worry not just about immediate court dates, but about how a juvenile case could affect their child’s future. In Manhattan, local schools, Kansas State University, and Fort Riley all play a role in shaping opportunities, making these concerns especially important. Our firm helps families understand potential long-term effects and focuses on strategies that protect a child’s future.
A juvenile record can impact applications for colleges, scholarships, and future employment, and military-connected families may face additional questions about enlistment or advancement. Early decisions in a case often influence the long-term outcome, and our attorneys work to identify options—such as diversion programs or structured probation plans—that may reduce lasting consequences while keeping education and activities on track.
Because we have represented many young people locally, we understand the school systems, courts, and community resources in Manhattan and surrounding counties. We help families balance legal requirements with practical concerns, including school attendance, extracurriculars, and demonstrating accountability. Our broader involvement in youth programs and mentorship reflects our commitment to supporting a child’s overall growth, not just handling a single case.
Talk With Our Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Manhattan
You do not have to sort through the Kansas juvenile system on your own. If your child is facing an accusation in or around Manhattan, getting guidance early can help you understand the process, avoid unnecessary missteps, and feel more prepared for each hearing and meeting.
At Addair Law, our attorneys focus on criminal defense and understand how juvenile cases move through the courts that serve Riley County and neighboring areas. We offer consultations in person and through secure virtual meetings, and we can speak with families in English or Spanish. We take the time to listen and explain so you and your child feel heard rather than judged.
We invite you to reach out, share what has happened so far, and ask the questions that are keeping you up at night. Our team will talk through your concerns and discuss possible next steps so you can decide how to move forward. To talk with our juvenile defense attorney in Manhattan, call (785) 645-2732 or fill out this online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this juvenile case stay on my child’s record?
Many juvenile matters are handled differently from adult convictions and some records may have limited public access. The impact on your child’s record depends on the charge, outcome, and future legal changes. We can review your situation and explain what a particular resolution is likely to mean over time.
Do I need a lawyer before my child talks to police?
It is usually safer for a child to speak with police only with a parent and attorney involved. What a young person says early can affect how a case is handled. When parents contact us quickly, we can discuss whether to attend interviews and how to respond to requests.
Can you help if we live outside Manhattan?
Yes. We regularly represent youth from surrounding counties whose cases are heard in courts that serve this region of Kansas. We offer virtual consultations when travel is difficult, and we work with families to coordinate schedules around work, school, and court appearances.
Do you work with Spanish-speaking families?
Yes. Our team includes bilingual attorneys and staff who assist Spanish-speaking parents and guardians. We believe families make better decisions when they can ask questions and receive answers in the language that feels most comfortable to them.
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