Protecting Your Child's Future After Charges

Legal representation for juveniles facing delinquency and criminal charges in St Cloud and Apple Valley

When your child faces criminal or delinquency charges in St Cloud, Apple Valley, or anywhere in Minnesota, the decisions you make in the days that follow can affect their education, employment, and record for years. Juvenile court in Minnesota operates differently from adult criminal court, with procedures designed to focus on accountability and growth rather than punishment alone. The outcome of these cases often depends on how well the defense addresses both the legal charges and the underlying circumstances that brought your family into the system.

Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC represents juveniles charged with offenses ranging from theft and assault to drug possession and probation violations. The firm works directly with families to navigate Minnesota juvenile court procedures, prepare for hearings, and advocate for resolutions that prioritize rehabilitation over lasting consequences. With offices in St Cloud and Apple Valley, the firm serves clients statewide, including negotiating diversion programs, contesting charges when appropriate, and protecting your child's ability to seal or expunge records later. The goal is to resolve the case in a way that does not close doors your child has not yet walked through.

If your child has been charged or is being investigated in St Cloud, Apple Valley, or anywhere in Minnesota, contact the firm to discuss your case and the options available under Minnesota law.

What Representation Looks Like in Juvenile Court

Juvenile defense in St Cloud and Apple Valley begins with understanding what your child is accused of, what evidence exists, and what the county attorney is likely to pursue. The attorney reviews police reports, witness statements, and any school or social service records that may be relevant. Early intervention can sometimes result in charges being reduced, diverted, or handled outside of formal court proceedings, depending on the nature of the offense and your child's history.

After the case is resolved, you will notice whether your child is required to complete community service, attend counseling, pay restitution, or comply with probation terms. In some cases, the charge is dismissed entirely or handled through a diversion program that does not result in an adjudication. The attorney works to keep the resolution focused on accountability without creating a permanent record that limits future opportunities.

Representation also includes preparing your child to participate in hearings, explaining what will happen in court, and ensuring they understand the process. Juvenile cases in Minnesota move quickly, and the court expects parents and guardians to be involved. The attorney coordinates with families throughout the process, from the initial appearance through disposition and any post-hearing compliance.

Families new to the juvenile court system often have similar concerns about records, penalties, and how the process works. The questions below address the most common issues that come up before and during representation.

You likely have concerns about what happens next

The first appearance is typically an admission or denial hearing where the court reads the charges and your child enters a plea. The attorney will have reviewed the petition beforehand and will advise whether to admit, deny, or negotiate a resolution at that stage.
What happens at the first court appearance for a juvenile case?
A juvenile adjudication can appear on background checks and affect college admissions, military enlistment, and employment unless it is sealed or expunged. The attorney works to resolve cases in ways that preserve your child's ability to petition for record relief later.
How does a juvenile record affect my child later?
Diversion allows your child to complete requirements like counseling or community service without a formal court finding, and the case is dismissed if they comply. Adjudication means the court finds the child responsible, which results in a record and may include probation or other consequences.
What is the difference between diversion and adjudication?
The attorney represents your child, not the family, and needs to understand their version of events and any concerns they may have about the case. Confidential communication helps build trust and allows the attorney to provide advice that reflects your child's legal interests.
Why does the attorney need to meet with my child separately?
You should contact an attorney as soon as you learn your child is being investigated or has been charged. Early representation in St Cloud and Apple Valley allows the attorney to intervene before formal charges are filed or to begin building a defense before the first court date.
When should we hire an attorney for a juvenile case?

Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC handles juvenile delinquency cases throughout Minnesota from offices in St Cloud and Apple Valley. If your child is facing charges or has already been scheduled for a hearing, reach out to discuss representation and next steps.