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Juvenile CasesMinnesota juvenile courts have jurisdiction over individuals under the age of 18 who engage in criminal conduct. In contrast to the adult courts in Minnesota, the juvenile proceeding is not a "criminal" proceeding designed to determine criminal responsibility and punishment, but rather, it is a "civil" proceeding designed to protect a child from the consequences of his or her own conduct, develop individual responsibility for unlawful behavior, rehabilitate him or her and, at the same time, promote public safety. Minnesota juvenile statutes address the juvenile court system in Minnesota. Juvenile Delinquents Under Minnesota Law Individuals under the age of 18 who commit acts which would be criminal if committed by an adult are deemed "delinquents." CHIPS Cases (Protective Services) Cases involving children under the age of ten who are alleged to have committed an act that would be criminal if committed by an adult are handled as civil CHIPS (children in need of protection or services) hearings. Petty Offenders Children who engage in conduct which is unlawful for them, but not unlawful for adults, such as violating curfew, drinking, and smoking are "petty offenders." Also included in the petty offender category are juveniles who commit petty misdemeanors and juveniles charged with their first or second non-violent misdemeanor offense, with the exception of certain designated offenses. Juvenile Traffic Offenders Children who violate traffic laws are "juvenile traffic offenders." In certain cases, depending on the age of the child and the nature of the traffic offense, the matter may be handled exclusively by the adult court rather than the juvenile court. Disposition Options Assuming the juvenile court retains jurisdiction over the alleged juvenile offender and, after a hearing, determines that the child engaged in the unlawful conduct, the court has a variety of disposition options, including: fines, probation, counseling, home detention, sex offender treatment, placement out of the home, loss of driver’s license, restitution or community service, and (for delinquents only) commitment to the Commissioner of Corrections for placement in a state juvenile correctional facility. |
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Svingen, Karkela, Cline, Haugrud, Hunt, Larson & Jensen, PLLP is pleased to announce the addition of Jamison W. Cichosz as a partner, effective April 1, 2009. Mr. Cichosz will practice in the areas of criminal law, family law, workers’ compensation and general litigation.
Jamison W. Cichosz graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of St. Thomas in 1999 with degrees in both Business Administration and Spanish. He then went on to graduate from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2002 after which he moved to the Fergus Falls area. Mr. Cichosz has been practicing in the areas of criminal law, family law and general litigation since being licensed.
Mr. Cichosz has become active in the community since moving to Fergus Falls. He is a two-time past commander at VFW Post 612 in Fergus Falls. He has taught criminal law and criminal procedure at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls. He was the City Prosecutor between 2002 and 2007 and is currently a member of the Fergus Falls City Council. For enjoyment, Mr. Cichosz coaches youth football and spends time with his family.
Sheila Harms was a featured speaker for the Career Day on April 3, 2009 hosted by the Pelican Rapids Chapter of Rotary.
J.J. Cline, Allen Haugrud, and Paul Hunt served as attorney coaches in the 2009 Minnesota High School Mock Trial Competition. The Minnesota State Bar Association will recognize the more than 500 mock trial volunteers in the May/June issue of Bench & Bar.
Greg Larson has been selected for inclusion on the 2008 Minnesota Rising Stars list, featuring the top young lawyers in the state. Rising Stars is published in a special advertising section of the December 2007 issues of Minnesota Law & Politics, Twin Cities Business and Mpls/St. Paul Magazine. The list of Rising Stars also appears on the web at superlawyers.com.