Temecula Juvenile Crime Defense Attorney

Aggressive Legal Advocacy for Juveniles in California

When a minor is accused of a crime, the situation can be especially challenging for the child and their family. You may be wondering what will happen next and how this will affect your child’s future. In California, the juvenile justice system is designed to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. However, a conviction can still have serious consequences.

At The Law Office of David E. Grande, our Temecula juvenile crime defense lawyer understands the ins and outs of the juvenile justice system and the legal process. We can help you navigate it and work to secure the best possible outcome for your child.

To schedule a free initial consultation with our Temecula juvenile crime defense attorney, call us today at (951) 221-4331 or contact us online.

How Does the Juvenile Justice System Work in California?

California’s juvenile justice system is quite different from the adult criminal justice system. It is designed to provide care, treatment, and guidance to minors that have committed violations of the law. It is also mandated to ensure the safety and protection of the public.

Some key differences between the two systems include:

• The juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitating the minor, not punishing them
• Minors are not “arrested” but are taken into “temporary custody”
• The police have many options when it comes the juvenile violations including issuing a warning or citation, delivering the minor to a shelter or diversion service, and detaining them to juvenile hall.
• Proceedings in juvenile court are not considered to be “criminal.”

It is also important to note that, in California, a minor is considered anyone under the age of 18. In some states, the age of majority is 17, 16, or even younger.

Most juvenile cases are handled by the juvenile courts. However, in some cases, a minor may be tried as an adult, such as if they are accused of a very serious crime.

If a minor is tried as an adult, they will be subject to the same criminal justice process as an adult, including arrest, bail, and sentencing. In California, it is also possible for a minor as young as 16 to be charged as an adult with certain serious crimes.

What Are the Consequences of a Juvenile Crime Conviction?

If your child is convicted of a juvenile crime, the consequences can be serious. While the juvenile justice system is designed to be rehabilitative, there are still several potential penalties and long-term consequences.

Some of the most common consequences of a juvenile crime conviction include:

• Probation: The minor may be placed on probation, which requires them to follow certain rules and meet specific requirements. This could include regularly checking in with a probation officer, attending school, obeying a curfew, completing community service, and more.
• Detention: If the minor is found to be a danger to themselves or others, they may be detained in a juvenile detention center. This is similar to jail but is specifically for minors. Minors can also be detained for probation violations.
• Loss of driving privileges: For certain crimes, the minor’s driving privileges may be suspended.
• Loss of educational opportunities: A juvenile crime conviction can affect a minor’s educational opportunities. They may be expelled from school, have difficulty getting into college, and be ineligible for certain scholarships and other forms of financial aid.

One of the biggest consequences of a juvenile crime conviction is that it will create a permanent criminal record. This record is sealed before the minor turns 18, but after the minor turns 18 some records may become public. Certain records are automatically sealed when the minor turns 18, but they may need to petition to seal other juvenile records. This means that, in the future, employers, landlords, and others may be able to see that the minor was convicted of a crime if legal action is not taken.

What Are Some Common Types of Juvenile Crimes?

Some of the most common types of juvenile crimes include:

• Drug crimes
• DUI
• Theft crimes
• Violent crimes
• Sex crimes
• Gang crimes

How Can a Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyer Help?

If your child has been accused of a crime, it is crucial that you take the matter seriously. Even if your child is charged in juvenile court, not adult court, a conviction can still have serious consequences. That’s why it is important to work with a skilled juvenile crime defense lawyer in Temecula.

An experienced attorney can help by:

• Investigating the case and gathering evidence
• Reviewing the evidence against the minor and determining if it was legally obtained
• Identifying any holes in the prosecution’s case
• Working to get the charges reduced or dismissed
• Negotiating with the prosecution and working to secure a favorable plea agreement
• Representing the minor at all court hearings and other proceedings
• Arguing for the minor’s release from custody, if applicable
• Arguing for alternative sentencing options
• Defending the minor’s rights and best interests at all times

At The Law Office of David E. Grande, we are committed to providing compassionate legal guidance and aggressive representation to minors accused of crimes. We know what is at stake and will work tirelessly to protect your child’s rights and future.

Speak to a Juvenile Crime Defense Attorney in Temecula Today

If your child has been accused of a crime, you need a skilled juvenile crime defense attorney in Temecula on your side. At The Law Office of David E. Grande, we are dedicated to providing aggressive legal representation and compassionate guidance to minors and their families.

Call us today at (951) 221-4331 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.