Defense Lawyer For Minor Felonies
Get the legal representation that you deserve from a multi-generational law firm with over 40 years of experience defending the rights of the accused.
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In 2020, over 25,700 juveniles were arrested in California. This statistic highlights the vast number of kids at risk of receiving lifelong consequences for their hasty decisions each year.
Kids make mistakes. And sometimes, law enforcement officers assume that juveniles have committed crimes simply due to their proximity to a crime scene. However, too often, minors do not have access to a quality defense, making them more likely to land in juvenile detention or prison before turning 18.
At the Law Offices of Tabone, we believe that every juvenile charged with a criminal offense needs access to a qualified, dedicated defense attorney. We’re committed to putting our best efforts into defending our juvenile clients and effectively guiding them through the juvenile justice system.
If you or your loved one is facing juvenile charges, contact our criminal defense attorney for minor felonies today at 818-785-5000 to schedule your consultation.
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How Our Criminal Defense Team Can Help
When minors face criminal charges, they and their families may be unsure of the best next steps. They may make rash decisions or unknowingly act in ways that put the minors at risk of receiving harsher sentences.
However, hiring an experienced juvenile defense attorney can take the stress and confusion out of juvenile cases. At the Law Offices of Tabone, our skilled, diligent lawyers have spent years helping minors effectively navigate the juvenile court system and their criminal charges.
Our multi-generational law firm has helped many clients receive fair outcomes through their cases, and we’d be happy to provide the following services for you or your child as well:
- Be your advocate and voice throughout the case
- Guide you and your family through the juvenile justice system
- Provide qualified legal advice and counsel during statements
- Provide a strong defense during adjudication
- Protect your rights under the California juvenile justice system
Contact the Law Offices of Tabone today at 818-785-5000 to schedule your consultation with a criminal defense attorney for minor felonies.
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Frequently Asked Quesitons
Juveniles can receive charges for a wide range of crimes. However, the most common juvenile charges include the following:
- Vandalism and graffiti
- Underage drinking
- Shoplifting
- Simple assault
- Gang activity
- Drug possession
- Traffic violations
- Arson
- DUIs
- Destruction of property
- Crimes at school
However, juveniles can also receive charges for more serious crimes, such as rape, murder, or kidnapping. Juveniles charged with these crimes may be charged as adults in some cases.
It depends on the situation. If you are being sued, have been arrested, or are in a legal dispute with an insurance company, you at least consult with a lawyer to determine if and how they can help. Because we offer free consultations. you should us a call to determine if hiring a lawyer is the right move for you. Call us at (818) 785-5000 to have your legal questions answered.
The juvenile court process is slightly different than the process to try adults in California.
For many juveniles, the court process starts with an arrest. However, some juvenile crimes may not escalate to an arrest. Instead, a law enforcement officer may issue a warning and let them off without any charges.
Other times, an officer may issue a citation, which is a notice to appear in court at a later date. Unlike an arrest, a citation does not require a juvenile to be detained before the court date.
Finally, some juvenile cases may result in informal probation. In these cases, the minor would be a ward of the court and would be permitted to serve their probationary period at home. A judge would set the terms of the probation and may require actions such as:
- Mandatory school attendance
- Counseling
- Curfews
- Community service
After an arrest, a juvenile typically faces several hearings, as follows:
- Detention hearing: A hearing to determine where the minor will be detained, such as in a juvenile detention center or at their parent’s house
- Transfer hearing: A hearing to determine if the child’s case will be tried in juvenile court or transferred to adult court
- Adjudication: The minor’s “trial” in front of a judge instead of a jury
- Disposition hearing: The sentencing hearing, in which the judge will relay the minor’s sentence (if the judge sustained the petition against the juvenile)
For a minor's criminal defense case, you do not have to go to court. In some cases, we may be able to have the case resolved without ever stepping foot in a courtroom. This is often done through a plea agreement with the prosecutor.
The California Juvenile Court System has a complex set of rules and policies that set it apart from the adult criminal justice system. Understanding these complexities can help you better navigate your own juvenile case and understand why having a top-tier criminal defense attorney is essential.
No Jury Trials
California currently does not conduct jury trials for juveniles. Instead, minors face an adjudication hearing in front of a judge.
Adjudications include many of the same elements as jury trials. For example, the defense and prosecution can both present arguments on their client’s behalf. In addition, the minor can testify or choose not to testify, depending on the circumstances.
However, instead of a jury determining the minor’s guilt or innocence, a judge will review the evidence and make the final decision. If the judge finds the minor guilty, they will then determine the minor’s sentence.
No Right to Bail
In adult criminal trials, defendants have the right to bail, which means they can post a specific amount of money to secure conditional release from custody. However, minors do not have the right to bail.
There are two primary reasons minors do not have this right in California:
- The court releases most minors to their parents or guardians rather than detaining them.
- The court schedules the minor’s hearing as quickly as possible, typically within 30 days, unless there is good cause or the minor consents to a delay.
Rehabilitation Over Incarceration
The juvenile justice system in California states that it focuses on rehabilitation over incarceration. When determining a minor’s sentence, a judge may prioritize actions that allow the minor to learn from their mistakes and move forward down a healthy path.
However, many juveniles in California still receive harsh sentences that do not allow much room for rehabilitation. As a result, minors often feel like their futures are ruined when they face criminal charges, and some even repeat their crimes after the end of their sentences.
One of the most effective ways to receive a rehabilitation-focused sentence for yourself or your juvenile family member is to have a qualified juvenile defense attorney on your side.
Yes, the information you share will be confidential. This means that it will not be shared with anyone else without your permission.
If you have any additional questions, please call us at (818) 785-5000.