Obtaining good outcomes for juvenile clients in Alabama is challenging work. Children in the state are often referred to juvenile court for minor, non-violent offenses; many of those youth end up in secure custody. In many parts of the state, there are few established community-based programs for youth. As a result, the vast majority of children in DYS custody are there for non-violent offenses, and a significant proportion are there for non-criminal status offenses, such as running away.
On the other hand, many children are transferred to or prosecuted in criminal court as adults every year, with disastrous consequences for their ability to lead productive lives. To overcome these challenges, Alabama defenders must be zealous in their defense of child clients, even in minor cases, and must be creative in crafting disposition and sentencing plans that keep clients in the community whenever possible. The resources on this page are designed to give attorneys the tools they need to provide the best representation possible.
In 2008, the Juvenile Justice Act became law. The Act gives Alabama's juvenile defenders important new tools. It explains in detail the duties of a juvenile defender and puts new restrictions on when children can be placed in secure custody.
