Ventura Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorneys
When your child is facing juvenile charges, you may not know where to turn. No matter what the charge is, hiring a juvenile criminal defense lawyer will ensure that your son or daughter has the best possible chance of avoiding conviction and the repercussions of a juvenile record. Juvenile court is run very differently than a regular criminal court, and you need an attorney who is well-versed in both to give your child the best defense possible.
Understanding Juvenile Charges in California
Juvenile charges fall into one of two categories:
- Status offenses are crimes that are crimes only because the individual is a minor, such as truancy and curfew violation;
- Juvenile delinquency crimes are crimes for all citizens, such as drug crimes, violent crimes such as assault and battery, and theft crimes.
Depending upon the circumstances of the case, the prosecution may try to have your son or daughter tried as an adult, which can result in severe punishment.
Juvenile Court vs Regular Criminal Court
The following is some important information about juvenile court:
- A jury does not try juvenile cases; they are decided solely by a judge.
- Bail is not required to free them after charges have been filed. However, a detention hearing will take place to determine if they can be released.
- A prosecutor will decide whether the charges will be tried as a felony or misdemeanor.
Protect Your Child’s Future
The devastating impact that a juvenile conviction will have on your son or daughter’s life is immense. It can prevent them from graduating from high school, getting into college, or holding down a job for the rest of their lives. If they are tried as an adult, the result may be even worse.
At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we believe all juveniles deserve another chance at life before being branded a criminal forever. With over 50 years of experience handling criminal cases, our juvenile criminal defense lawyers have the knowledge and experience to defend your child against their charges. We serve all communities in Ventura County and the surrounding areas, and we are ready to help you and your family as well.
Contact our firm today to discuss your child’s criminal charges.