What Should Parents Do if Their Child Is Arrested in Illinois?

 Posted on August 13, 2025 in Juvenile Criminal Defense

Learning that your child has been arrested may feel like your worst nightmare has come to pass. Though you may feel panicked, acting rashly will not help your situation. Instead, you should get in contact with a Lake County, IL juvenile defense lawyer who can help protect your child in court.

At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we know the immense pressure faced by parents in juvenile criminal defense cases. When you work with our firm, we will give you a clear idea of the charges your child faces as well as the possible long-term consequences. Attorney Matthew Gebhardt has over 20 years of experience, so you can rest assured that your child’s case will be handled by a seasoned professional.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Child

Once you have found out that your child has been arrested, getting in contact with an attorney should be one of your top priorities. Depending on the reason for the arrest, your child could be tried as an adult, so having a strong defender at your side is an absolute necessity.

Our firm can provide you with critical insights tailored to your specific circumstances. Our attorney will advise you of the seriousness of the charge and discuss possible defense strategies ahead of your child’s court date. In the rare event that your child is detained for more than 24 hours, we can petition for pretrial release.

Speak With Your Child in Private After an Arrest

Your child may be understandably afraid if this is his or her first encounter with the police. When visiting your child in police custody, be prepared to listen and provide emotional support. You may also wish to remind your child to exercise his or her Fifth Amendment rights and not to answer questions without a lawyer present.

Though compassion is important, you should also impress upon your child just how serious the situation is. Even seemingly simple and relatively common behaviors like sexting could also result in charges of possessing or distributing child pornography, which can follow your child for life. Your child may not grasp the gravity of the charge, so it is up to you as a parent to explain the possible implications.

Obey the Court’s Instructions During Juvenile Criminal Proceedings

If your child is ordered to do something by a judge, you should do everything you can to make sure your child follows that order. Pretrial release for very serious crimes, for example, sometimes comes with conditions. The judge may order your child to wear a GPS monitor or stay at home until the day of the trial. If your child violates a court order before, during, or after the trial, the judge could impose additional penalties.

Contact a Lake Zurich, IL Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Has your child been accused of a crime? If so, consider working with a skilled Lake County, IL criminal defense attorney who can negotiate with prosecutors and represent your child in front of a judge. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we have the requisite experience and legal knowledge to protect your child’s rights. We will seek the best possible outcome for his or her case. We offer free consultations at 847-239-4703.