Compassionate Juvenile Crimes Attorneys Protecting the Legal Rights of Southern California Youth

When a young person is accused of committing a crime, their future may be determined in the complex legal process that follows. Depending on the juvenile’s age and the alleged criminal activity, the young defendant may be tried in juvenile court or in criminal court, which is reserved for adult offenders. Adult criminal court proceedings typically carry harsher penalties for those convicted of unlawful acts; however, there can still be severe consequences for juvenile offenders found guilty by the juvenile justice system. In most cases involving minors, the young person will be charged in juvenile court, but some aggressive prosecutors may wish to charge them as adults, especially in severe cases. Regardless of whether your child goes to adult or juvenile court for an alleged offense, you must seek the legal help of experienced attorneys who are well-versed in these practice areas.

Our legal team has extensive experience representing young people in juvenile cases, as well as juveniles who are transferred to adult criminal court proceedings. As your legal representation, we will craft a strong defense strategy, gather evidence to support your innocence, negotiate with the prosecution when appropriate, and work with you to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.

We understand that criminal charges can have a profound impact on a child’s future, potentially limiting their opportunities or altering the course of their lives forever. We want to ensure that the young people of Southern California become productive citizens in our community, and we will do everything possible to help you and your family navigate these legal matters with your heads held high.

To learn more about the benefits of retaining our legal services, please get in touch with our North Hollywood law firm to schedule your free initial consultation today.

What Are Common Types of Juvenile Charges for Criminal Offenses in Los Angeles County?

Juvenile offenders can be accused of many of the same crimes that their elders could be charged with, but certain offenses are more commonly seen in juvenile cases.

Examples of juvenile crimes include the following:

• Vandalism and other property crimes may be considered relatively minor offenses and are typically charged as misdemeanors, but they can still create a permanent criminal record for the accused
• Drug crimes, including simple drug possession, are often associated with harsh penalties and aggressive prosecution
• Cybercrimes, also known as internet or computer crimes, include instances of cyberbullying, hacking, and digital piracy
• Underage drunk driving incidents require the steadfast defense and dedication of experienced DUI lawyers
• Sex crimes, including sexual assault, could have a severe impact on the defendant if they are convicted. In some severe cases, the defendant may have to register as a sex offender
• Theft, such as shoplifting, is a common juvenile criminal offense that can significantly impact a youth’s prospects if not disputed properly
• Violent crimes, including fights at school and various examples of assault, can result in harsh punishments for convicted
• Burglary and armed robbery charges can be charged as felonies and could be met with severe penalties

Should You Entrust Your Child’s Future to a Public Defender or an Experienced Juvenile Defense Attorney?

To qualify for the services of the public defender, a juvenile defendant’s parents or guardians must submit a financial evaluation. If they meet certain financial criteria, they can have the court pay for their child’s representation. For families who do not financially qualify as indigent or those who want to obtain the finest representation for their child, Wegman & Levin will bring their 50+ years of combined experience, integrity, and dedication to defending your child.

How Does Juvenile Defense Differ from Most Criminal Defense Cases?

The primary goal of the adult criminal justice system is punishment, not rehabilitation. On the other hand, the primary mission of the juvenile justice system is to intervene and facilitate the rehabilitation of the child. Any individual under the age of 18 is presumed to be a candidate for the juvenile justice system, unless the court (or, in some instances, the prosecution) determines that a juvenile is “unfit” to be handled within the juvenile system. In such cases, the case will be transferred to a regular criminal court and treated as an adult case.

How Does the Juvenile Justice System Operate in Los Angeles County?

Juvenile court proceedings are usually more informal than most adult court legal processes and focus primarily on the rehabilitation of the alleged offender. Unlike most criminal cases involving adults, juvenile court proceedings are not open to the public, which affords some level of privacy to the young person and their family members.

In many cases, it is possible to seal juvenile records after a certain period of time has passed, which renders those records inaccessible in background checks and other public record databases.

The legal standards for juvenile court cases also differ from those in criminal court for adults, as there is a special focus on considering what is in the best interests of the young person being charged.

In the juvenile justice system, young people have the same rights to obtain professional legal representation. However, they may not necessarily be entitled to a public trial by a jury of their peers.

If convicted, the juvenile system typically tries to rehabilitate the young individual and provides them with various resources, including mental health counseling and educational services.

How Can Our North Hollywood Juvenile Defense Lawyers Help Children Facing Criminal Charges?

As your child’s criminal defense lawyer, we address the issues surrounding arrest, criminal investigation, alleged juvenile offenses, sentencing, appeals, and post-trial matters. An arrest simply means a police officer or judge has reasonable suspicion that a child committed a crime. An arrest does not necessarily mean that a prosecuting attorney has filed a criminal charge against the individual.

Our legal team also addresses the substantive issues related to the crimes with which our clients are charged. We can also help clients before a prosecuting attorney has filed charges, which occurs when someone believes they are being investigated or have been arrested but not yet formally charged. The person may hire a criminal defense lawyer to provide counsel and representation in dealing with police or other investigators, conduct their own investigation, and, at times, present exculpatory evidence that negates the potential charge by the prosecutor. Wegman & Levin APC represents our young clients in all stages of criminal matters, including pre-arrest and pre-indictment (investigatory phases).

Contact Our North Hollywood Law Offices to Request a Free Consultation with an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to Discuss Your Juvenile Crime Case Today

There are numerous severe consequences associated with a juvenile conviction in LA. While it may be possible to seal or expunge certain juvenile records after the fact, it is always better to develop a winning defense strategy early in your child’s case to help them avoid the harshest penalties.

With a strong defense, it may be possible to help your child grow up like any of their peers. We want to see them make friends, attend school, and pursue productive futures undeterred by the unfortunate legal matters that affect them today.

Wegman & Levin APC understands that children make mistakes and need to be guarded from harm in the Southern California juvenile criminal justice system. If your child is facing charges for juvenile crimes, contact our North Hollywood office today at 818-495-8330.