Los Angeles Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Defending Your Child's Rights, Freedom, & Future in California

Having your child arrested and charged with a crime can be a frightening experience. Whatever the specific facts of a case may be, criminal charges can expose a minor to severe penalties. Allegations can also threaten their futures when they should be preparing for new opportunities. With so much at stake, you need the best legal representation to guide you and your child through the Los Angeles juvenile justice system.

Is your child facing criminal charges? Call Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners today at (213) 481-6811 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our juvenile defense attorney in Los Angeles! 

Juvenile Cases We Handle

At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, our Los Angeles juvenile defense lawyers are experienced in defending the rights, freedoms, and futures of young people accused of crimes. Our legal team has decades of combined defense experience and is prepared to handle juvenile cases, including even the most severe allegations involving sex crimes or violent offenses.

• Sex Crimes – Sex crime charges are among the most severe allegations a person can face, and they have the potential to tarnish reputations and threaten futures. Examples of the types of sex crime juvenile cases our firm can handle include child abuse, sexual assault, date rape, statutory rape, internet sex crimes, child pornography or sexting, and others.
• Violent Crimes – Violent crimes are punishable by severe criminal penalties, including lengthy terms of confinement in the Division of Juvenile Justice (formerly known as CYA - a state prison for minors). In certain situations, minors facing violent crime allegations may also be charged as adults. Violent crimes include battery, assault, robbery, manslaughter / vehicular manslaughter, and murder.

Aside from representing minors charged with sex crimes and violent crimes, our legal team also handles other common juvenile cases:

How California's Juvenile Court Systems Works 

The juvenile court system in California is responsible for handling cases involving minors who have been accused of committing crimes or are deemed at risk of engaging in delinquent behavior.

Here is an overview of how the juvenile court system in California works:

1. Arrest: When a minor is suspected of committing a crime, they may be arrested by law enforcement officers. The minor will be taken to a juvenile detention center or released to their parents, depending on the severity of the offense.
2. Detention Hearing: Within 48 hours of the arrest, the minor will have a detention hearing. During this hearing, a judge will determine whether the minor should be released to their parents or detained pending further proceedings.
3. Adjudication Hearing: If the minor is detained, the next step is an adjudication hearing, similar to a trial in adult court. At this hearing, the judge will hear evidence presented by the prosecution and defense and determine whether the minor committed the offense.
4. Disposition Hearing: If the minor is found to have committed the offense, the next step is a disposition hearing, where the judge will determine an appropriate sentence. The judge may order the minor to probation, community service, or placement in a juvenile detention center.
5. Appeals: If the minor or their parents disagree with the judge's decision, they may appeal the case to a higher court.

It's important to note that California's juvenile court system strongly emphasizes rehabilitation and treatment rather than punishment. The goal is to help minors learn from their mistakes and become productive members of society.

When Will a Child Be Tried as an Adult in California? 

In California, minors accused of committing crimes can be tried as adults in certain circumstances. The decision to try a minor as an adult is typically made by a judge based on several factors.

Here are some of the factors that may be considered:

1. Age of the Minor: In California, minors 14 years or older can be tried as adults for certain serious crimes, such as murder, certain sex offenses, and certain violent felonies. However, minors who are younger than 14 years old are generally not tried as adults.
2. Seriousness of the Offense: The decision to try a minor as an adult is often based on the severity of the offense. Minors accused of violent crimes, such as murder or armed robbery, are more likely to be tried as adults than those accused of nonviolent offenses.
3. Prior Criminal Record: Minors who have a history of delinquent behavior or prior criminal offenses may be more likely to be tried as adults.
4. Likelihood of Rehabilitation: The judge may consider the minor's likelihood of rehabilitation and whether they would benefit from being tried in the juvenile justice system.
5. Public Safety: The judge may also consider whether trying the minor as an adult is necessary to protect public safety.

What are the Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in California? 

The penalties for juvenile crimes in California vary depending on the severity of the offense, the minor's age, and the minor's prior criminal record.

Here are some of the possible penalties for juvenile crimes in California:

1. Informal Probation: This is California's most common juvenile crime penalty. It involves the minor being placed on probation and required to follow certain conditions, such as attending school, participating in counseling, or staying away from certain people or places. Informal probation may also involve community service or restitution.
2. Formal Probation: A judge may impose formal probation for more serious offenses involving more rigorous supervision and monitoring. The minor may be required to wear an electronic monitoring device, attend counseling or therapy, or complete several community service hours.
3. Juvenile Detention: Minors accused of more serious offenses may be ordered to serve time in a juvenile detention center. The length of the detention will depend on the offense and the minor's criminal record.
4. Fines: Minors convicted of crimes may be ordered to pay fines as a penalty. The fine will depend on the offense and the minor's ability to pay.
5. Rehabilitation Programs: Some minors may be required to participate in rehabilitative programs, such as drug treatment, anger management, or counseling.

Sealing Your Child's Criminal Record

In California, minors convicted of a crime may have the opportunity to have their criminal record sealed or expunged under certain circumstances. Sealing a criminal record means it will be hidden from public view while expunging a record means it will be destroyed.

A criminal record can have significant negative consequences for a minor, including difficulty obtaining employment, housing, educational, and financial aid. Sealing or expunging a criminal record can help a minor move forward from past mistakes and have better opportunities for their future.

To be eligible for record sealing or expungement, the minor must have completed their sentence and any probation, and they must not have committed any additional crimes since their conviction. The specific process for sealing or expunging a record will depend on the circumstances of the conviction and the county where the conviction took place.

Contact Our Los Angeles Juvenile Crimes Attorney Today

If your child has been accused of committing a juvenile crime in California, it is important to understand the laws and procedures involved in the juvenile justice system. While the system focuses on rehabilitation and treatment rather than punishment, the consequences of a juvenile conviction can be serious and long-lasting. Working with a Los Angeles juvenile crimes lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process, protect your child's rights, and explore all available options is essential. With Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partner's legal representation and guidance, you can ensure that your child receives the best possible outcome and the chance to move forward and make positive changes in their life.

We provide aggressive criminal defense representation in the following Los Angeles County Juvenile Courts:

Contact Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners today to schedule a FREE consultation with our Ljuvenile crimes lawyer in Los Angeles!

Frequently Asked Questions to Ask a Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Why Is a Juvenile Defense Lawyer Important?

A juvenile defense lawyer is vital in navigating the complexities of the juvenile justice system. They provide essential legal representation, ensuring the minor's rights are protected and advocating for the best possible outcome. Without experienced legal counsel, there is a higher risk of misunderstandings and unfavorable outcomes.

What Should Parents Know If Their Child Is Arrested?

Parents should immediately secure legal representation for their child. Understanding the child's rights and the juvenile justice process is crucial. Prompt action can impact the course of the case significantly and help mitigate potential penalties.

Are Juvenile Records Automatically Sealed?

Juvenile records are not automatically sealed. Specific criteria must be met for a record to be eligible for sealing or expungement. This process often requires legal assistance to navigate effectively.

How Does Juvenile Probation Work?

Juvenile probation involves supervision, with conditions that must be met to avoid more severe penalties. This can include attending school, refraining from substance use, and participating in counseling or community service.

What Are Common Mistakes in Handling Juvenile Offenses?

One common mistake is underestimating the seriousness of juvenile charges. Additionally, failing to secure prompt and knowledgeable legal representation can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Awareness and preparedness are key.