Rebuilding Trust, Setting Boundaries, and Moving Forward Together

💬 “What Were You Thinking?”

That's the first question most parents want to ask.
Whether your child is a high schooler who got caught with weed, or a college student who got into a fight or picked up a DWI, it's normal to feel a mix of emotions:

• Anger

• Disappointment

• Fear

• Confusion

• Shame

But once the dust settles and you've contacted a lawyer, there's one thing left that only you can do:

Talk to your child in a way that builds trust — not walls.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we work with families every day in Ruston and across North Louisiana who are navigating this exact moment. Here's how to have the conversation that matters most, after the arrest.

👶 For Minors (Under 18): They Still Want Your Guidance

Even if they act tough, most teens arrested for the first time are scared, embarrassed, and unsure of what happens next.

Your job as a parent is to:

• Stay calm, even when you're angry

• Create space to talk, not lecture

• Make sure they understand the seriousness of the situation — without shame

• Reassure them that this moment doesn't define them — but it does have consequences

Key phrases that help:

“We're going to get through this, but I need you to be honest with me.”
“I've hired a lawyer, but we still have to do our part.”
“This isn't about punishment — it's about learning from it and protecting your future.”

🎓 For College Students (18+): They're Legally Adults — But Still Need You

The tricky thing with 18- to 22-year-olds is they're often treated like full-grown adults by the legal system — but they're still figuring out who they are.

You may feel like you've lost control. But your support still matters, even if they pretend it doesn't.

Don't say:

• “You should've known better.”

• “Well, now you're on your own.”

• “This is exactly what I warned you about.”

Do say:

“Let's make a plan for how to deal with this — together.”
“Do you understand what this charge means for your record, your school, your future?”
“I'm not here to fix it for you. I'm here to help you fix it right.”

💡 Tips for Making the Conversation Count

✅ Pick the right moment — not in the heat of the moment or right after court
✅ Avoid blame-shifting (onto police, friends, or the school)
✅ Let them speak — sometimes what they don't say is the most important part
✅ Ask what they've learned so far — and what they'd do differently
✅ Talk about next steps together: school, court, counseling, part-time jobs, behavior changes

🛡️ How We Help Support the Family Dynamic

At Lawrence Law Firm, we're not just defending your child — we're helping your entire family navigate the stress, stigma, and confusion of the legal system.

We help you:

• Understand what's at stake and what to expect

• Keep your child on track for school, work, and future opportunities

• Build a case strategy that includes family input, where appropriate

• Position your child for diversion, reduced charges, or expungement — when possible

📞 One Arrest Isn't the End of the Road — It's the Start of a New One

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a defense attorney who understands how to support families through difficult seasons — not just show up in court.
🖥️ Or [book a confidential consultation] now.

You've raised them with love — let us help you protect the life they're building.

🔜 Final Post in the Series:

Post #10: Why You Still Need a Lawyer for a First-Time Juvenile Offense

The blog published by Lawrence Law Firm is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. Artificial Intelligence has been used to assist in formatting, topic selection, and organization, and while this information has been reviewed an attorney, this article should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.