When your child is facing the Idaho juvenile justice system, every moment matters. At Martens Law Office, we understand how frightening and overwhelming a juvenile arrest can be for juveniles and their families. Our juvenile defense attorneys are here to provide dedicated legal representation focused on protecting your child’s rights, reputation, and future.
Individuals under 18 are generally handled by the juvenile justice system, which is designed to separate youth from adult offenders and focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, that doesn’t mean the consequences are minor. A juvenile crime can lead to detention, probation, or even adult charges in serious cases.
At Martens Law Office, we help families navigate every step of the process from the initial juvenile arrest and detention hearing to court proceedings and potential record expungement. We make sure that both you and your child understands the potential consequences for committing a crime.
In 2024, Idaho saw a total of 1,423 youth arrests statewide. Of the 7,562 juvenile charges filed statewide:
The average age at intake was 14-16, and 61% were white males.
Local reports confirmed the statewide decline, with places like Bonner County seeing significant drops in youth arrests for 2024. Drug-related charges, property crimes, and simple assaults were among the most frequently reported allegations.
In 2024 alone, 4,603 youth arrests resulted in 2,336 juveniles on probation, 893 released to diversion programs, and 170 held in Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections custody.
Our firm handles a wide range of juvenile cases across Boise and the Treasure Valley, including charges such as:
No matter how serious the accusation may seem, our juvenile defense lawyers will dig into the facts, challenge weak evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome.
If your child has been arrested, remain calm and contact a Boise juvenile defense attorney immediately. Do not allow your child to answer police questions without legal counsel present. Early intervention by a skilled lawyer can often prevent formal charges, reduce penalties, or even result in case dismissal. Our team will investigate the arrest, review the prosecution’s evidence, and protect your child’s rights from day one.
While the juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation, a juvenile conviction can still have serious consequences, such as:
These penalties can disrupt education, limit opportunities, and affect your child’s path into adulthood. Our goal is to reduce or avoid these outcomes whenever possible.
A juvenile record doesn’t have to define a child’s future. Idaho law allows most convictions, charges, or arrests from before age 18 to be expunged once specific waiting periods and eligibility requirements are met. However, expungement is not available for serious offenses like murder, manslaughter, rape, arson, aggravated battery, drug trafficking, or injury to a child.
Expungement means sealing or erasing a juvenile record, making it off-limits to future employers, colleges, and landlords. This allows a young person to move forward without the stigma caused by a past mistake, improving their chances of getting a job, securing housing, and qualifying for financial aid.
Families seeking expungement should consult with a qualified attorney or their public defender’s office to ensure the application is properly handled. When expungement is granted, the court orders all records to be sealed and removed from public access; the youth can then legally state the matter never occurred.
In certain serious cases, minors can be “waived” into adult court. This typically happens when:
Crimes such as aggravated assault, armed robbery, rape, or homicide can bring adult-level penalties including prison sentences and a permanent record. Our criminal defense attorneys work tirelessly to keep cases within the juvenile court system, where rehabilitation and second chances remain possible.
A single mistake shouldn’t determine a child’s entire future. At Martens Law Office, we believe in every young person’s capacity for growth and change. Our team will examine every aspect of your child’s case, ensuring their story is heard, their rights are protected, and their future remains open. Call Martens Law Office today to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and start building a strong defense for your child.
