Juvenile Arrests in California: The Most Common Offenses and How A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
A juvenile arrest can affect many aspects of a minor’s life including educational opportunities and future employment prospects. While California’s juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, serious offenses still carry significant consequences that require experienced legal representation.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you through the legal process. Call Wallin & Klarich today toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for your free consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys near you.
Understanding California’s Juvenile Justice System
California treats minors differently than adults in the criminal justice system. The juvenile court system focuses on rehabilitation and providing young offenders with opportunities to learn from their mistakes. However, when juveniles are charged with serious crimes, the stakes become considerably higher, and the line between juvenile and adult prosecution can blur.
Juveniles in California are typically handled through the juvenile court system until age 18, though certain circumstances allow prosecutors to transfer cases to adult court. This makes it crucial for families to understand the charges their child faces and secure qualified legal representation immediately.
Serious Juvenile Offenses in California
PC 243.4: Sexual Battery
Penal Code 243.4 addresses sexual battery, which involves touching an intimate part of another person against their will for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. When juveniles face these charges, the allegations can stem from various situations, including inappropriate conduct at school, parties, or in dating relationships.
Sexual battery charges carry severe social stigma and legal consequences. Juveniles convicted under PC 243.4 may face detention time, mandatory sex offender registration requirements, and long-term impacts on their ability to attend certain schools or pursue specific careers. The registration requirement alone can follow a young person into adulthood, affecting where they can live, work, and go to school.
Grand Theft
Grand theft in California involves unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or more. Juvenile grand theft cases often involve shoplifting expensive merchandise, stealing vehicles, or taking valuable items from schools or other locations. The consequences for grand theft can include detention in a juvenile facility, restitution to victims, probation, and a criminal record that may affect college admissions and job applications. Additionally, repeat theft offenses can lead to enhanced penalties and greater likelihood of prosecution in adult court.
PC 245: Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Penal Code 245 criminalizes assault with a deadly weapon or assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury. This charge frequently arises from fights at school, altercations involving weapons, or incidents where a juvenile uses an object—even something not traditionally considered a weapon—in a manner that could cause serious harm.
PC 245 violations are “wobbler” offenses, meaning they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. When charged as a felony against a juvenile, the consequences can include significant time in juvenile detention, transfer to adult court in serious cases, and a strike on the juvenile’s record under California’s Three Strikes Law if convicted as an adult.
PC 459: Burglary
Burglary under Penal Code 459 involves entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony. Juvenile burglary cases might involve breaking into homes, vehicles, or businesses. Courts view these cases seriously, especially when they involve entering someone’s home.
The Importance of Experienced Representation
Facing serious juvenile charges requires an attorney who understands both criminal defense and the unique aspects of California’s juvenile justice system. The right legal representation can mean the difference between a young person receiving help to get back on track versus facing years of consequences that limit their potential.
If your child has been arrested for a serious offense in California, time is critical. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your child’s rights and future.
Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
If you are a juvenile facing criminal charges, you need to contact an aggressive defense attorney to fight for your freedom. With 40+ years of experience, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have helped many clients ensure they receive a fair trial in their criminal defense cases. We know the most effective strategies to argue on your behalf, and we will do everything in our power to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.At Wallin & Klarich, we have offices all over Southern California: Irvine, Pasadena, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Torrance, and Anaheim. Additionally, our law firm can handle many types of cases statewide. Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled criminal defense attorney near you.
