When a child or teenager commits a crime, it’s often assumed that something has gone terribly wrong in the child’s development and that harsh punishment is the only solution. However, research shows that this is not true. Children and teenagers do not yet have the reasoning skills and self-control that adults do, and punishing them in ways that will affect their adult life could cause serious harm.
If your child has been charged with a crime and you’re ready to help them get a fresh start, it’s time to reach out to an Orange County juvenile defense lawyer. Use our list of local law firms to connect with attorneys near you.
There are several ways that juvenile crimes may be addressed in California. To start, many crimes are handled in an informal way that attempts to teach the child a lesson without dragging them through the legal system. For example, a police officer who catches a teenager engaged in illegal activity may simply choose to give them a harsh lecture and release them to their parents. Even when a child goes in front of a juvenile judge, they may still not have to go through the system. Instead, the court may decide to order counseling, require community service, demand restitution for the crime, or place the child on probation.
For those who are unlucky enough to be charged with a crime, the process starts with the juvenile court either taking over the case or determining if the offender should be tried as an adult. At this point, a plea agreement may be reached that allows your child to avoid conviction of a more serious crime and choose a better path. If your child is convicted, they may be ordered to:
As you can see, the outcomes of juvenile charges vary widely. Yes, you could take your chances and hope that the charges are dismissed or that the court decides not to pursue formal charges. However, that means playing a very risky game with your child’s future.
Some parents intentionally choose not to intervene at this point, hoping that going through the juvenile justice system will be enough to scare their child straight. Again, this is the wrong move. This can actually increase the likelihood that your child continues to commit crimes, and if that continues into adulthood, the consequences will follow them forever. Instead, take this time to fight aggressively for your child and try to keep them out of the court system. From there, you can decide how you want to handle their choices and how you want to get them onto the right path. You do not want to risk losing your child to the correctional system or a group home.
The main difference between a juvenile defense lawyer and a regular criminal defense lawyer is the focus on the unique needs and circumstances of minors. Juvenile law is distinct from adult criminal law and has a different focus and goal. The goal of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate and reform minors, rather than to punish them. As a result, the legal process for minors is different from that for adults and requires a different approach.
A juvenile defense lawyer must have a thorough understanding of California’s juvenile justice system, including the laws, procedures, and policies that apply to minors. They must also have knowledge of the resources and services that are available to help minors and their families. Additionally, they must be able to work with minors and their families, to build trust and provide support and guidance.
The juvenile defense attorneys listed on this page serve clients in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Buena Park, Tustin, Yorba Linda, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, La Habra, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Brea, Ladera Ranch and all courts throughout Orange County and Southern California. If your son, daughter or another minor in your family has been arrested in Orange County, you NEED to talk to a lawyer and get your questions answered, call an attorney listed here today.
Finding out that your child has engaged in illegal activity can be embarrassing and frightening, but you don’t have to leave your child to the consequences of their choices. Explore our list of juvenile defense attorneys in Orange County and contact one now.