A Parent's Guide to the Process, the People, and the Stakes

🧭 Walking Into Court? Here's What You Need to Know

Whether your child is 15 and in high school or 19 and in college, attending a criminal court hearing for your son or daughter is one of the most stressful moments a parent can face.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we've walked hundreds of families through this process in Ruston and throughout North Louisiana — and we know that calm, informed parents make stronger advocates for their children.

Here's what you can expect during a juvenile court hearing, and how things might look different if your child is already 18 and in adult court.

👶 For Juveniles (Under 18): A Separate System with a Different Focus

In Louisiana, juveniles go through juvenile court, which is designed to emphasize:

• Rehabilitation

• Privacy

• Community-based solutions

• Long-term recovery and behavior correction

🔍 What Happens at a Juvenile Hearing?

Juvenile hearings are typically:

• Closed to the public to protect the child's identity

• Less formal in tone — but still legally binding

• Focused on whether the child should remain in custody, and how the case should proceed

The judge may:

• Review the charges

• Ask about school status, home life, and prior behavior

• Decide on release conditions or detainment

• Set the next hearing date (adjudication or trial)

• Consider diversion, counseling, or probation in place of traditional sentencing

⚠️ Don't mistake “juvenile court” for “not serious.” Outcomes here can still affect your child's future — including their ability to drive, graduate, apply for jobs, or join the military.

🎓 For Adult Children (18+): A Different Ballgame

If your child is 18 or older, they will be processed through adult court — whether or not they still live at home or are enrolled in school.

In this system:

• Hearings are public

• Judges are focused more on punishment and deterrence

• There is a much higher risk of jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record

Your child may be:

• Arraigned (formally entering a plea)

• In court for a bond hearing, pretrial conference, or sentencing

• Facing District Court or City Court depending on the charge

🎓 College students from Louisiana Tech, Grambling State, and surrounding areas often underestimate the seriousness of these appearances — until they see how fast the system moves.

👩‍⚖️ Who Will Be in the Courtroom?

In juvenile court:

• A juvenile court judge (not a jury) decides the case

• A juvenile prosecutor presents the state's case

• A defense attorney speaks on behalf of your child

• You, the parent or guardian, are often expected to attend and may be asked to speak

In adult court:

• Your adult child will speak for themselves unless represented by an attorney

• You may not be invited to participate, unless the judge allows it or the attorney calls you as a witness

• The proceedings can be faster, colder, and less flexible

🛡️ How We Prepare Families for Juvenile or College-Age Court Hearings

At Lawrence Law Firm, we:

• Make sure your child is prepared, dressed appropriately, and knows how to speak to the judge

• Appear in court to speak directly to the judge and DA on your child's behalf

• Prepare supporting documents (school records, job info, counseling efforts, etc.)

• Ensure you understand the court's expectations and how to help your child comply

We believe in showing the court who your child really is — not just what they're charged with.

📞 Your Child Deserves an Advocate — and So Do You

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a Ruston-based defense attorney who handles both juvenile and adult cases — and knows how to guide families through the Louisiana court system.
🖥️ Or [schedule a private consultation] today.

You don't have to walk into court wondering what will happen. We'll walk in with you.

🔜 Up Next in the Series:

Post #8: Will This Stay on My Child's Record Forever?

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.