Juvenile Crimes

Oklahoma City Juvenile Crimes Lawyer

As a parent, few things are more distressing than finding out your child has been accused of a crime. I understand how overwhelming this can feel, and I, your Oklahoma City juvenile crimes lawyer Taylor McLawhorn, am here to guide you and your family through it.

Throughout my many years of practice, I have dedicated myself to helping clients overcome all kinds of complex and sensitive legal challenges. In juvenile cases, my goal is to see that a child’s future is not derailed by a mistake, misunderstanding, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Request a free, one-hour consultation to discuss your case and how I can support you. Virtual consultations are available for your convenience.

Call (405) 504-1858 or reach out online to start with Taylor McLawhorn Attorney at Law. I proudly represent clients throughout Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas.

Committed to Working with You Every Step
Available 24/7 and always by your side, I’ll guide you through every stage of your defense with care.
Hands-On Approach to Cases
You’ll work directly with me—no handoffs, no guesswork—just dedicated, personal defense every step of the way.
City, State, & Federal Experience
Skilled in navigating complex cases at every level of the justice system—from local courts to federal trials.
Honest & Experienced Defense Attorney
A former prosecutor who offers straightforward advice and strategic defense built on real courtroom experience.

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How Oklahoma Treats Juvenile Offenders

Oklahoma’s juvenile justice system is designed to address crimes committed by minors differently from offenses involving adults. While the adult criminal system emphasizes punishment, the juvenile system focuses on rehabilitation and allowing young people to turn their lives around.

Oklahoma has a unique and sometimes harsh tiered system for charging minors. Depending on the age of the child and the severity of the offense, a case can be handled in three distinct ways:

Juvenile Delinquency: This is the standard path for most minors. The goal is rehabilitation through the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA).
Youthful Offender Status: Under the Oklahoma Youthful Offender Act, minors aged 15 to 17 who are charged with specific violent crimes (such as first-degree manslaughter, kidnapping, or armed robbery) are treated with a hybrid of juvenile and adult protocols.
Adult Certification: In the most extreme cases, such as first-degree murder, a child as young as 13 can be certified to stand trial as an adult.

Juvenile proceedings are generally conducted in a more private setting, shielding minors from the long-term repercussions of a public criminal record. However, as mentioned before, in certain cases involving serious offenses, Oklahoma laws allow juveniles to be tried as adults. This is why it is crucial to have a skilled attorney who understands the nuances of both systems and can advocate for the best outcome for your child.

I have handled numerous complex juvenile cases, approaching each with compassion and dedication to doing what is best for my clients. I understand the unique processes involved in the juvenile justice system and am poised to help families navigate unfamiliar and stressful territory. I offer around-the-clock support to give you confidence in the moments it matters the most.

Collateral Consequences of Juvenile Convictions

The "hidden" penalties are often the most damaging. An Oklahoma City juvenile crimes lawyer must fight to prevent these outcomes:

Education: Schools may move for suspension or expulsion based on an arrest, even if it happened off-campus.
Future Employment: Many "sensitive" jobs and professional licenses will still require the disclosure of a juvenile record.
Driving Privileges: Certain drug or alcohol-related offenses result in an automatic suspension of the child’s driver’s license.
Enhanced Future Sentencing: If the individual is arrested as an adult, a prior juvenile adjudication can be used to increase the severity of their adult sentence.

How I Help Those Accused of Juvenile Offenses

Leveraging my extensive experience, I represent juveniles facing a wide range of charges, including:

Homicides of all degrees
Drug offenses
Underage drinking or DUI
Assault, battery, and other violent offenses
Sex crimes, such as rape, lewd molestation, and child pornography

No matter the case, I seek to resolve juvenile cases in a way that minimizes disruptions to my clients’ futures.

On your behalf, I can:

Explain complicated legal processes - I can guide you and your child through every juvenile justice process, making certain you understand what to expect.
Advocating for rehabilitation - Whenever possible, I push for resolutions focusing on rehabilitation over punishment, such as diversion programs.
Challenge juvenile prosecutors - I work to find weaknesses in cases against juveniles, whether it is questionable evidence or legal errors. If your child has been wrongly accused, count on me to fight fiercely for their innocence.
Protecting against adult criminal penalties - I aim to keep cases within the juvenile system and prevent unnecessary exposure to the adult criminal process and its harsh penalties.

Potential Outcomes of Juvenile Cases in Oklahoma

The outcome of a juvenile case will vary based on the nature of the offense, whether your child has been accused of juvenile crimes previously, and other contributing factors.

Some of the potential resolutions for juvenile cases in Oklahoma include:

Probation - Allowing the minor to remain in their community under certain conditions, such as attending school, counseling, or avoiding specific activities.
Diversion programs - These aim to educate and rehabilitate juveniles, often involving community service, classes, or counseling.
Restitution - Requiring the child to compensate victims for damages or losses caused by their actions.
Juvenile detention - Placement in a correctional facility for minors, typically reserved for serious cases or repeated offenses.

Oklahoma’s juvenile justice system generally aims to help young offenders learn from their mistakes and reintegrate successfully into society. However, the risk of harsher penalties or being transferred to adult court increases significantly without quality legal representation.

The Oklahoma Juvenile Defense Process

The process in Oklahoma County moves quickly, and missing a deadline can result in a child being unnecessarily detained.

The Intake Process and Preliminary Inquiry

After an arrest, the Oklahoma County Juvenile Bureau conducts an intake. An intake officer interviews the child and the parents to make a recommendation to the District Attorney. This is a critical stage where a juvenile defense attorney in Oklahoma City can intervene to push for "diversion"—an informal program that, if completed, prevents any formal charges from ever being filed.

Detention Hearing

If the child is not released to the parents immediately, a detention hearing must be held within a strict timeframe (usually the next business day). At this hearing, the judge decides if the child should remain in a secure facility or go home while the case is pending. I fight to show the court that the child is not a "flight risk" or a danger to the community, emphasizing a stable home environment.

Adjudicatory and Dispositional Hearings

If a petition is filed, the case proceeds to an adjudicatory hearing (the trial). In Oklahoma, juveniles have the right to a jury trial in certain circumstances, though many cases are decided by a judge. If the child is found delinquent, the case moves to a dispositional hearing. This is where I present a comprehensive plan for rehabilitation—such as counseling or community programs—to persuade the judge that incarceration is not necessary.

Why Choose Taylor McLawhorn Attorney at Law

Experience matters when your child’s freedom is on the line. I offer a perspective that few other attorneys can provide: I am a former prosecutor. This means I have sat on the other side of the table. I know the strategies the state will use, I know the local judges in Oklahoma County, and I know how to negotiate from a position of strength.

My firm is built on the foundation of personalized service. I do not pass your child’s case off to a junior associate; I personally handle every aspect of the defense. I am available 24/7 to handle emergencies and provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing an experienced advocate is in your corner. We are committed to protecting the next generation of Oklahoma City residents.

If your child has been arrested, time is of the essence. As a juvenile defense attorney in Oklahoma City, I am available 24/7 to protect your family. Call (405) 504-1858 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with a former prosecutor who knows how to fight for your child's future.

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Need an Oklahoma City Juvenile Crimes Attorney You Can Trust? Call My Office in Oklahoma City

If your child has been accused of a crime, do not wait to contact Taylor McLawhorn Attorney at Law. I stand ready to fight for your child. No matter your fears or worries, know I am here to help you and your child with experience unlike many others.

Many families I work with have never had to navigate the juvenile system before and find the experience in Oklahoma City courts daunting. By working with a juvenile defense lawyer Oklahoma City families can rely on, you gain an advocate who knows local court procedures and will provide clear explanations every step of the way.

My representation is focused on easing your concerns, helping you understand the realities and expectations, and responding promptly to your questions about court appearances or probation requirements. The right information and guidance can make a meaningful difference for your family’s future.

Call (405) 504-1858 to schedule your free consultation. Together, we can work to protect your child’s rights and set them on a path to a brighter future.