Nashville Juvenile Crimes Lawyer

Trusted Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Nashville, TN

An arrest in your juvenile years can have long-term consequences that can last your entire life. Mistakes you’ve made in your past can affect your future in ways you may not have anticipated, which is why you should do whatever you can to avoid a conviction for a juvenile crime. If you’re a parent trying to protect your child from consequences, the most important thing you can do for them at this time is hire a Nashville juvenile crimes lawyer to oversee their case.

The legal team at The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez recognizes how challenging a juvenile case can be for all parties involved. Juvenile crime penalties can be severe in Tennessee, depending on the details of your case.

You should contact our experienced Nashville criminal defense attorney to assist you in building a sound defense strategy and helping your child avoid fines, probation, or even jail time. Cesar Arbelaez has years of focused experience helping clients out of criminal defense situations.

Matter Types We Handle in Nashville, TN

The Consequences of a Juvenile Conviction

If you have a juvenile case in Nashville, it will be handled by the Juvenile Court of Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County, which can be found on Woodland Street. Unfortunately, juvenile crimes are not rare in Tennessee.

In 2025, juveniles made up three in 10,000 incarcerated felons in the state. That same year, 655 juveniles entered state custody. In 2021, it was determined that 300 children in the state lived in juvenile detention facilities.

Many people believe that someone’s juvenile record is permanently sealed when they become an adult, and any convictions they have when they’re underage won’t be relevant to their future. That’s not the case, especially in Tennessee. A criminal conviction is a criminal conviction regardless of how old you were when you received one.

You need to consider the long-term consequences of a juvenile conviction. Here are some of the common consequences:

• Employment troubles: While juvenile records are largely kept confidential from the general public, they can still appear on background checks when seeking employment. A criminal conviction of any kind, including a juvenile one, can limit career opportunities in fields that require security clearances or a professional license. Jobs in law enforcement, healthcare, and education may be permanently out of reach.
• Educational barriers: When applying to certain colleges, they may require a full disclosure of disciplinary or delinquency records, including any record of juvenile convictions. If it’s discovered that an applicant has a criminal record as a juvenile, they may be denied enrollment, lose out on scholarship opportunities, or be expelled if already enrolled.
• Housing disqualification: It’s common for landlords to run background checks on potential tenants. If they discover a potential tenant has a juvenile record, they may simply treat it as a criminal record and refuse the housing application outright. If your current landlord learns of a juvenile conviction, your current housing situation may be in jeopardy if they decide to evict you because they feel you put other tenants’ safety at risk.
• Driver’s license suspension: For specific juvenile offenses, such as drug offenses or a DUI, it’s common for the Tennessee Department of Safety to order a revocation of a juvenile’s driver’s license to limit their transportation and restrict them.
• Future sentencing: A juvenile record can have a lasting effect on your adult record if you are charged with future crimes. Judges and prosecutors may consider your past juvenile conviction as evidence of a pattern, which can lead to harsher sentencing.
• Immigration status: If the juvenile in question is a non-citizen, a criminal conviction can easily lead to deportation or a denial of citizenship.

FAQs About Nashville, TN Juvenile Crimes Law

What Crimes Can a Juvenile Be Charged With as an Adult in Nashville?

Generally, juveniles can be charged as adults in Nashville when the crime in question is a severe violent crime or a repeat offense. Crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, armed robbery, and certain property offenses can result in an adult trial. If the minor is 16 or 17 at the time, they can be charged as an adult for any crime if the juvenile court judge finds probable cause.

At What Age Can a Juvenile Be Charged With a Crime in Tennessee?

The age at which a juvenile can be charged with a crime in Tennessee depends largely on the nature of the crime. The state does not have a statutory minimum age of criminal responsibility. Young children are largely handled within the juvenile court system. They are only tried as adults in cases of serious crimes. The juvenile court system prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. Make sure you hire a juvenile crimes lawyer for help.

Does a Minor Get a Trial by Jury in Tennessee?

Yes, minors can get a trial by jury in Tennessee if the state is seeking an extended juvenile jurisdiction or if the case is transferred to adult court. In most cases, minors are tried only by a juvenile court judge with no jury present. The child’s guilt or innocence is determined solely by the judge. Your child can still have legal representation, and it’s recommended that they hire somebody immediately.

Can a Juvenile Record Be Expunged in Nashville, Tennessee?

Yes, a juvenile record can be expunged in Nashville, Tennessee, as long as the conviction is not for a violent crime. To qualify for expungement in Tennessee, you must meet the following criteria:

• You have to be at least 17 or 18 years old.
• It must have been at least a year since you completed your sentence.
• You have to maintain good behavior.
• You can’t be convicted of a crime as an adult.

Hire a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Nashville Today

The last thing you want is for a juvenile criminal conviction to follow you or your child forever. You need to treat this situation seriously and hire the right lawyer to oversee your case, just as you would for an adult charge. At The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we can help you determine the right way forward. Contact us to speak with someone on our team.

Nashville, TN Juvenile Crimes Law Resources:

• Franklin, TN Crime Rate – Latest Statistics
• Tennessee Crime Rate Statistics
• Murfreesboro, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• Nashville, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• What Are the Top Five Crimes Committed in Tennessee?
• What Is the Difference Between Parole and Probation in Tennessee?
• How Much Does a DUI Cost in Tennessee?

Serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee

When you’re facing criminal charges in Nashville or throughout Middle Tennessee, your future, freedom, and reputation hang in the balance. At the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we understand that a conviction can devastate not only your life but also the lives of your family members. Our dedicated criminal defense attorney brings nearly a decade of experience fighting for clients accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Based in Nashville and serving the greater Davidson County area, The Music City Defender has built a reputation for aggressive representation and strategic defense work that protects clients’ Constitutional rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. Whether you’re facing charges in Nashville’s municipal courts, Tennessee state courts, or federal court, our firm has the experience and resources necessary to mount a comprehensive defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.

Whether you’ve been arrested for a DUI on Broadway, charged with assault in downtown Nashville, accused of drug crimes, or facing any other criminal allegations in Middle Tennessee, partnering with a Nashville criminal defense lawyer who understands Tennessee’s criminal justice system and is prepared to fight relentlessly for your rights can be the decisive factor between conviction and freedom, between a ruined future and a second chance.