Juvenile Law

Protect your child

Kids will be kids, but sometimes things go too far. If your child under the age of 18 is accused of violating the law, he or she may be faced with legal proceedings. Though a violation isn’t called a crime but a “delinquent act,” juvenile court proceedings are serious.

Your child’s delinquent act may affect his or her immediate and long term future. It could mean loss of their drivers’ license, limited job opportunities, or adverse decisions in college admissions and military service.

The juvenile justice system is different than adult criminal proceedings. Youths don’t have the right to a public trial or trial by jury. Hearings are heard by judges. That is why our experience over the last 50 plus years getting to know the juvenile court system and the judges in Butler, Hamilton, Preble, Warren and Clermont Counties will work to your advantage.

We have represented children in Ohio juvenile courts for various delinquent acts

including but not limited to:
  • Traffic Offenses
  • Truancy
  • Theft and Shoplifting
  • Drug Possession
  • Underage Possession of Alcohol
  • Assault
  • Trespass and Property Destruction
  • Domestic Violence and Murder
  • Inducing Panic
  • Disseminatino of Materials Harmful to Minors

Custody & Shared Parenting

The allocation of parental rights and responsibilities may be accomplished by agreement between the parents. If an agreement cannot be reached, then parenting rights are determined through traditional litigation. Custody refers to the legal and practical relationship between a parent and their child, including decision-making authority, parenting schedule, and where the child lives. Ohio law encourages shared parenting agreements when possible, allowing both parents to take an active role in raising their child. Shared parenting does not necessarily mean equal time, but rather a cooperative plan that supports the child’s best interests and maintains meaningful relationships with both parents.

In determining the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities, the Court applies the “best interest” standard, which consists of specific statutory factors. When determining the “best interest” of a child, the Court shall consider the following factors:

  • Wishes of the parents
  • Wishes of the child (as expressed to the Court through a private “in-camera” interview)
  • The child's relationship with their parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interest
  • The child's adjustment to the child's home, school, and community
  • The mental and physical health of all interested parties
  • The parent more likely to honor and facilitate court-approved parenting rights
  • Whether either parent has failed to meet their child support obligations
  • Whether either parent or any member of the household of either parent has a history of domestic abuse
  • Whether either parent has a history of continuously and willfully denying the other parent's rights contained in a court order
  • Whether either parent has established a residence, or is planning to establish a residence, outside the state
  • Any other “relevant factor” determined appropriate in the discretion of the Court

contact us today

© 2025 Fiehrer & Fritsch
Call for a free consultation
513.887.7300
First Financial Bank Building
300 High Street, Suite 604
Hamilton, Ohio 45011