California Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorneys

What You Need to Know About Juvenile Crimes

People under the age of 18 who are charged with a crime are usually sent to juvenile court. These special courts are separate from the adult criminal courts system and are designed to meet the special needs of children and teenagers charged with crimes. Juvenile courts are also designed to rehabilitate, counsel and educate children, whereas adult criminal courts are more likely to focus on punishment.

However, in many juvenile criminal cases a minor faces the possibility of being incarcerated. As a parent of a juvenile facing a juvenile criminal offense you need to approach the matter very seriously. The California Juvenile Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have experience offering the special attention juvenile court proceedings require.

Juvenile courts deal with two types of offenses. Minors charged with “status offenses” are accused of doing something that would have been legal but for the minors age when doing the act. This can include minor in possession of alcohol or driving a vehicle before the minor has been issued a license to drive a motor vehicle. This is a less serious category of charges than “delinquency crimes,” which are offenses committed by a minor that would be crimes regardless of age.

When a minor is facing a juvenile criminal case he is not entitled to a jury trial. A juvenile court judge or commissioner will decide his guilt or innocence. The burden of proof is the same as in adult court, the prosecutor must present enough evidence to convince the judge “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the juvenile is guilty of the crime. Unfortunately in juvenile criminal cases there is no such thing as bail. The court decides to either release the minor to his parents pending the outcome of the case or the minor is detained in juvenile hall. Due to the serious nature of criminal charges in juvenile court the minor has the right to have a lawyer defend him at all stages of the proceeding.

When a juvenile over age 14 is accused of certain serious crimes the prosecutor may decide to try him as an “adult”. When a juvenile is facing such a charge it is critical that they retain the services of an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney. In a case where a juvenile is tried as an adult this means that if he is found guilty he can face “adult consequences” which can mean many years in prison.

Minors taken into custody must be brought to court within 48 hours of their arrest and be advised of the charges against them. At the first court hearing, called the detention hearing the court will decide whether to release the minor to his parents or to detain the minor in custody pending the trial. It is important that the juvenile had a lawyer at the outset of his case so the lawyer can prepare for the detention hearing and try to convince the court that the minor will not be a risk to the community if his parents are allowed to supervise him under strict conditions.

If a minor is found guilty at a juvenile court proceeding, he or she will be sentenced separately. For less serious offenses, sentencing could include probation, restitution to victims, community service, a halfway house or foster care. More serious offenders could be sent to training school or a secure facility (“lock-up”). Minors who became wards of the court before age 16 can be kept in state custody until age 21; minors ages 16 or older can be kept until they’re 25. After release, you may be able to seal or destroy a juvenile record, depending on the crime and the length of time since the minor left the court system. Wallin & Klarich can help you clean up a juvenile record, make the best possible case to the judge and avoid significant time in lock-up.

The Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyers at Wallin & Klarich believe that it is always in a minors best interest to retain a highly experienced juvenile criminal defense law firm when your minor is first accused of a criminal charge. Our law firm approaches every case with the belief that the person we’re defending could easily be one of our own family members. We’ve seen firsthand how stressful legal matters can be for our clients and their loved ones. We are committed to being available to our clients at all times — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you love is facing juvenile criminal charges in Southern California, you should call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case. Call 1-888-749-0034 or fill out our online consultation form to get in contact with a legal professional today. We will be there when you call.