Juvenile Crimes
Juvenile Crimes can be a serious criminal offense. If your child has been charged with a Juvenile Offense, in an effort to protect the minor’s future, you need to rely on an experienced and aggressive California juvenile criminal defense lawyer who has a thorough understanding and familiarity with the law and local courts.
If you, or a loved one, are facing juvenile criminal charges in California, you need to seek the advice of an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles juvenile criminal attorney immediately. Right now you are probably filled with fear, you have a million questions and you are not quite sure how to proceed. Consult with an attorney now. The Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman can evaluate your case and provide you with the knowledge and experience that is crucial when defending you against juvenile 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 in Los Angeles and are confronted by police, you must remain calm and invoke your rights. 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 California 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:
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 experienced Los Angeles juvenile crime defense 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.
The Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman will employ an aggressive defense and can often reduce or dismiss the charges against you 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 to detention in a juvenile facility. There are many forms of alternative sentencing that may be available to you. The Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman will make sure that all alternative sentencing options are presented to the judge.
Given the complexity of criminal defense in general and juvenile cases in particular, it is vital that you choose a California criminal defense attorney who combines experience with a good track record, a thorough understanding and familiarity with the law and the local courts, and a commitment to each and every client. If you have you been accused of a juvenile offense, your time to get the right experienced criminal defense attorney is limited. The Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman has successfully represented numerous clients charged with juvenile crimes throughout the State of California. The Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman prides itself on aggressive representation with a personal touch. Armed with the knowledge and experience to build a winning defense, Jonathan I. Kelman is accustomed to taking on the criminal justice system and achieving the best results for his clients.
When your future is on the line… Call the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman immediately. Your phone consultation is free and completely confidential.