What Parents Need to Know — Whether Your Child Is 16 or 19

🧭 Different Ages, Different Systems — But the Stakes Are High Either Way

If your child has been arrested, one of the first things that determines how the case will unfold is their age at the time of the alleged offense.

In Louisiana, the line between juvenile and adult criminal court is firm — but not always final.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we routinely defend both minors and college-aged young adults in Ruston and throughout North Louisiana. Whether your child is in high school or attending Louisiana Tech, understanding the difference in how they'll be charged is critical to protecting their record, reputation, and future.

⚖️ When Is Someone Considered a Juvenile Under Louisiana Law?

In most cases:

• Anyone under 18 years old is considered a juvenile for criminal justice purposes.

• Juveniles are typically processed through the juvenile justice system, which focuses on rehabilitation over punishment.

However:

• Some crimes can get a juvenile “transferred” to adult court, especially violent felonies.

• The older the minor and the more serious the charge, the more likely prosecutors may seek adult prosecution.

🎓 What About College Students? They're Still “Kids,” Right?

Legally? Not after they turn 18.
Even if they:

• Live with you

• Are on your health insurance

• Rely on you for school tuition

If they are 18 or older when arrested, they'll face adult criminal charges — no matter how minor the offense seems.

Common charges we see among college students in Ruston include:

• Simple battery/fights

• Drug possession (often marijuana or Adderall) 

• DWI / underage drinking

• Theft or shoplifting

• Gun charges — often involving legally owned firearms carried improperly

⚠️ These are prosecuted in adult court and can result in a permanent criminal record unless defended aggressively and early.

🧑‍⚖️ Key Differences Between Juvenile & Adult Charges in Louisiana

🛡️ How We Defend Both Juvenile and Young Adult Clients

At Lawrence Law Firm, we focus not only on the charge in front of us — but on your child's entire future. Our goals include:

• Keeping your child out of jail

• Protecting their academic standing and professional future

• Sealing or expunging records wherever possible

• Exploring diversion programs and pretrial negotiations

• Making sure your family understands the full scope of what's at stake

Whether your child is 17 and headed to college, or 19 and navigating legal trouble for the first time, we're here to step in with clarity and experience.

📞 One Call Can Change the Course of the Case

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a defense lawyer who understands both juvenile and adult criminal defense in Louisiana.
🖥️ Or [schedule a confidential consultation] today.

🔜 Up Next in the Series:

Post #3: Can I Be There When My Child Is Questioned by Police?

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.