Even “Minor” Charges Can Have Major Consequences Without the Right Help

🙅‍♂️ “It's Their First Offense — Do We Really Need a Lawyer?”

It's a question we hear often, especially from well-meaning parents of otherwise “good kids.”

Maybe your child got caught:

• Shoplifting

• With weed or alcohol

• Fighting at school

• Trespassing

• Breaking curfew

The officer says it's “not a big deal.” The court clerk says it's “probably just probation.”
Your instinct is to avoid drama, pay the fine, and move on.

But here's what we tell every parent who asks:

The first offense is exactly when you need a lawyer most — to make sure it's also the last.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we represent families in Ruston and across North Louisiana who learned the hard way that skipping legal defense early on can cause problems that last for years.

👶 For Juveniles (Under 18): The System Isn't Always Forgiving

Even in juvenile court, where the focus is supposed to be on rehabilitation, things can go sideways without proper representation.

Without a lawyer, your child could:

• Get a permanent juvenile adjudication

• Be placed on restrictive or unnecessary probation

• Lose driving privileges

• Miss chances at diversion programs or informal resolutions

• Face tougher consequences on a second offense because there was no advocacy the first time

⚠️ And just because your child is a minor doesn't mean their record is sealed automatically — you'll need legal help to clean it up later.

🎓 For College Students (18+): The “First-Time” Excuse Doesn't Work

Once your child turns 18, the legal system sees them as an adult — even if it's their first time in trouble.

They're eligible for:

• Jail time

• Fines

• A permanent public record

• Academic discipline

• Loss of scholarships or financial aid

• Difficulty finding jobs, internships, or grad school acceptance

📌 A guilty plea to a misdemeanor at 19 can cause lifelong issues — even if it's “just” probation or a fine.

🛡️ What We Do at Lawrence Law Firm

For first-time juvenile and student offenses, our job is simple:

Protect your child's future while minimizing the damage today.

That means we:

• Step in early — often before charges are even filed

• Work to get charges dismissed, reduced, or diverted

• Guide your child through every court appearance and every option

• Push for outcomes that protect education, employment, and reputation

• Fight to ensure eligibility for expungement the moment it's possible

Even if the charge is minor, we treat your child's life like it's a big deal — because it is.

📞 One Mistake Shouldn't Define the Rest of Their Life

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a criminal defense lawyer who knows how to help families, students, and juveniles navigate Louisiana's legal system — the right way.
🖥️ Or [schedule your private consultation] today.

Don't gamble with your child's record — fight for their future while you still can.

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.