Summer is here, which means your teenager has a lot of spare time on their hands. If their boredom has resulted in criminal activity, you'll need to know what the process is. This is particularly important if your teen has been arrested. Here are three steps of the criminal process that you should know about.

The Arrest

If your teen has been taken in for questioning, that doesn't necessarily mean that they've been arrested. If you've not been specifically told that your teen is under arrest, or your teen has not been told that they can't leave, they haven't been placed under arrest yet. However, if you've been informed that your teen has been arrested, you'll need to contact an attorney. Your attorney will ensure that proper juvenile arrest guidelines are followed.

After the Arrest

After the arrest, your attorney will work to secure your teens release. There are four things that can happen following the arrest.

Unconditional Release

If your teen is released unconditionally, that means they're free to go home with you. While they won't need to follow any specific requirements, they will need to show up at all court hearings.

Conditional Release Home

If your teen is released conditionally to go home, that means there will be specific requirements your teen will need to follow. Your teen will need to remain at home and may be re-arrested if they break any rules or laws.

Conditional Release Placement

If your teen is conditionally released to placement, that means they will have to go to a group home, emergency shelter, or into foster care.

Detention

If your teen is held for detention, that means they'll be in juvenile court custody until their case is settled.

The Detention Hearing

Once your teen is sent to detention, there will be a detention hearing. During the detention hearing, your teens attorney will be able to argue for their release. If they're allowed to leave detention, the judge will place requirements on your teen that they will have to follow. If the judge does not allow the release, your teen will be sent back to detention and held until the case is settled.

If your teen has been arrested, you need to know how to help them. The information provided above will help you understand the process that your teen is about to go through. If you have further questions, be sure to speak to your teens criminal defense attorney like O'Brien & Dekker.