Juveniles
Attorney Sharp is often appointed as attorney or Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for children alleged to be dependent or deliquent in Venango County. She is knowledgeable and stays current with changes in the law that may impact her clients. She is a passionate advocate for children and has over 20 years of experience in Juvenile Law.
JUVENILE DELINQUENCY
Pennsylvania law requires that a juvenile who is charged with committing a crime has a lawyer to represent them. Attorney Sharp is appointed by the Court in Venango County to represent most juveniles charged with a crime without charge to the child or the child’s family. If a conflict of interest prevents Attorney Sharp from representing the juvenile, another attorney will be appointed by the court to represent the child. The juvenile and his family always has the right to retain and pay for any attorney he chooses to represent him in the matter.
Juveniles have rights under the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions, and an experienced attorney will advise your child of these rights. It is important to contact a lawyer early in the process so that your child’s rights are protected and she receives the best defense possible from day one. Our office will represent the juvenile throughout the court proceedings, including assisting the juvenile in deciding whether to contest or admit to allegations filed against her and presenting supervision alternatives to the Court at disposition. Attorney Sharp and our staff work with other agencies, including the Venango County District Attorney’s Office and Court Supervision Services (Juvenile Probation), to ensure that your child receives the most appropriate services and treatment options for her success. The consequences of a juvenile adjudication of delinquency can be serious and longstanding, it is therefore important for the juvenile to make informed decisions that will impact their future.
FORMS:
JUVENILE DEPENDENCY
Attorney Sharp is appointed by the Court in Venango County to represent children who must appear in Dependency Court, either as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) or counsel for the children depending on the circumstances of the case. Abused and neglected children need permanency in their lives as soon as it can be achieved. If children can safely live with their birth parents, Pennsylvania and federal law provides that is the best outcome. If, however, living with their birth parents is not appropriate, the Court must determine the best alternative permanency for these children. Attorney Sharp advocates for the best interests of children and helps give the children a voice in the courtroom.
Attorney Sharp and our office staff work with the Venango County Court of Common Pleas, as well as local agencies, parents’ attorneys and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) to ensure that every child involved in a dependency matter receives the services she needs to achieve permanency as soon as possible.