Juvenile Crimes

When yourself or your child is facing a criminal charge in Los Angeles County juvenile courts or anywhere in the state, it is critical you obtain capable and skilled legal counsel. At The Justice Firm, our Los Angeles juvenile crimes defense lawyers are dedicated to providing unsurpassed legal guidance and support for children who are arrested or charged with a criminal offense.

Individuals who are younger than 18 years of age are considered juveniles in the state of California. Unfortunately, instead of focusing on rehabilitation, most in the District Attorney's Office desire that minors who have allegedly committed a crime are punished, and suffer consequences that can affect them for the long-term. Securing the guidance and support of a seasoned attorney is not a choice, it is a must.

Teenagers are often influenced by their peers, whether good or bad. They want to "fit in," and therefore frequently participate in criminal behavior without realizing the serious consequences of their actions. Sadly, harsh punishment often results in the juvenile facing lifelong hardship, as many who do not have the opportunity to put their lives on a more positive path continue to engage in criminal activity. You must consult with a trusted Los Angeles juvenile crimes attorney who is focused on helping you or your child get back on the right path the right way, without harsh punishment.

In most cases, minors who are younger than 18 attend juvenile court; however, a minor who commits a crime at 17 years of age which is not discovered, or whose crime is not tried until the individual is 20 years old, may still be tried in juvenile court. The most common offenses committed by juveniles include underage drinking and drug offenses, shoplifting and theft-related crimes, vandalism, and sex crimes. It is important to note that in some situations, a juvenile may be tried as an adult. This is true for teens who are 14 or older who are accused of murder, rape, spousal rape, and other sex offenses, arson, robbery, kidnapping, and assault with extenuating circumstances such as if great bodily injury occurred, or weapons were involved.

When yourself or your child is facing a criminal charge whether misdemeanor or felony, it is essential you know the options available and understand your rights. Our Los Angeles juvenile crimes law firm handles all aspects of these types of cases, whether you need skilled and effective legal representation, or help having a juvenile record sealed once the defendant reaches the age of 18. We highly advise having a criminal record sealed or expunged so that the juvenile's future employment and success in other areas of life are not negatively affected. If a successful future is what you desire for yourself or your child, we cannot stress enough the importance of working with a highly regarded criminal defense attorney.

The fact is, not every criminal defense attorney represents juveniles; most focus on adult cases, which means the lack of knowledge and experience in the juvenile court system could potentially prevent a good outcome. You must have a lawyer who is comfortable representing juveniles, and who is knowledgeable in local juvenile court procedures and thoroughly familiar with the Welfare and Institutions Code. In cases involving juvenile crimes, there is no right to bail, and no right to a jury trial. Therefore, the choice you make in choosing a Los Angeles juvenile crimes defense attorney is crucial.

Contact us now for a free consultation regarding your case at 310-914-2444.