Juvenile Criminal Defense
If your child has been charged with a Juvenile Offense, you need an attorney to help. Our firm can help with a California Juvenile Criminal Defense.
If you, or a loved one, are facing juvenile criminal charges in California, you need to seek the advice of an experienced and aggressive juvenile criminal attorney immediately. You should consult with an attorney now, if for no other reason, but to get your questions answered and alleviate your fears regarding what will happen in your child’s case. Our lawyers can evaluate your case and provide you with the knowledge and experience that is crucial when defending you against criminal charges.
A juvenile offender is generally described as a person under the age of majority (under the age of 18 in most states) who commits any specific act prohibited by law. While it is understood that certain acts such as theft, robbery, assault, murder, etc. are obviously against the law, juveniles are also subject to additional laws such as truancy laws and curfew laws.
If you are suspected of committing a juvenile crime and are confronted by police, you must remain calm and do not panic.
Even though you are a juvenile, you have rights that must be protected. Remember the following rules:
- If you have not been arrested, you do not have to submit to a search.
- Do not resist arrest.
- Respectfully decline to answer any questions and do not volunteer any information regarding the incident.
- Insist that an attorney be present before answering any questions.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney.
The juvenile criminal process is unique and there is a separate court system for juvenile offenders. There are also different categories of juvenile offenders which include:
Criminal Offenders and Juveniles remanded to superior court:
These categories are for offenders that have committed crimes that, if they were adults, would be criminal. These are crimes such as robbery, theft, assault, shoplifting, etc. Juveniles who have committed very serious crimes such as rape, arson, murder, etc. may be transferred to the adult court system to be tried as an adult.
Informal Probationers and Status Offenders:
These categories are for offenders who have committed less serious crimes or crimes such as truancy, breaking curfew or incorrigibility and, if they were over the age of majority, would not be considered illegal.
Under the juvenile court system, a judge will hear the case and pass sentence. Most judges will generally make every effort to rehabilitate, educate and counsel juvenile offenders rather than incarcerate them but under extreme cases, the courts may hold a "fitness hearing" to determine whether or not the case will be transferred to superior court where you may be tried as an adult.
During this initial phase, it is crucial that you have an attorney present who knows and understands the juvenile justice system and can convince a judge that you should remain under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.
Robert Miller and Associates will employ an aggressive defense and can often reduce or dismiss the charges against your child or in the alternative, negotiate a favorable plea-bargain.
If your case remains in juvenile court, you will have an opportunity to enter a plea or proceed to an adjudication hearing (trial). Your trial consists of a judge only - there is no opportunity for a jury trial. If, after a trial, a judge concludes that the charges are true, you will be sentenced.
In many cases, a conviction will not automatically lead detention in a juvenile facility. There are many forms of alternative sentencing that may be available to you. Robert Miller & Associates Lawyers are armed with the knowledge and experience to build a winning defense in court. We will make sure that all alternative sentencing options are presented to the judge.
Robert Miller & Associates will vigorously defend your child’s rights to a fair and unbiased trial and guarantees that your son or daughter will receive the undivided attention you deserve.
