What Are the Consequences of Being Convicted of a Juvenile Crime?

The legal justice system often leaves room for some benefit of the doubt when minors are involved in criminal activities. That’s because they are prone to making mistakes and committing offenses they shouldn’t due to poor reasoning or bad influence.

Unfortunately, juvenile offenders often don’t get proper legal representation, putting them at risk of legal consequences that could adversely affect their future in adulthood. Criminal justice attorneys in Southern California say that leaving a minor alone in the system to “teach them a lesson” can be a tragic decision with life-changing outcomes.

Some possible penalties include the following, depending on the severity of the charges:

  • Community service
  • House arrest with or without an ankle monitor
  • Probation
  • Monetary fines
  • Jail or prison time
  • Time at a juvenile detention center or juvenile hall
  • Alternative living arrangements, such as foster care
  • Mental health therapy

How Does the Juvenile Justice System Work?

California law treats anyone 17 years or younger as a juvenile. A juvenile who commits a crime is taken through the juvenile justice system, which emphasizes treatment and rehabilitation instead of punishment, like the adult justice system.

However, Orange County juvenile defense lawyers explain that sometimes, depending on their age and the crime’s nature, a juvenile offender may be treated as an adult offender. In such situations, the case is taken to the adult court, where the proceedings may be under strict scrutiny, and the punishments could be harsher.

Categorization of Juvenile Offenders

The law in California has four categories of juvenile offenders, and each is handled differently. It’s essential to understand the category under which your child is placed to effectively guide them through the system as you fight to defend them:

  • Informal probationers: This is for juveniles who commit minor offenses and are placed on probation or diverted into mental health facilities, substance abuse programs, crisis shelters, or other appropriate programs.
  • State offenders: The category is for minors who commit offenses exclusive to juveniles, such as truancy or curfew violations. The offenders may be placed on probation but can’t be detained with other criminal offenders.
  • Criminal offenders: If under 18 years old, they will be placed on formal probation and may be sent to a camp, county ranch, or Juvenile Justice facility in the California Division.
  • Adult offenders: It encompasses juveniles between the ages of 16 and 17 who commit one of more than thirty serious felonies and juveniles who are 14 or older who commit murder.

A conviction for charges your child faces as an adult could send them to the California Department of Corrections facility known as the California Youth Authority (CYA). They could be held here until they attain the age of 25. Alternatively, they could be sent to state prison as adults, depending on the case specifics.

How is the Juvenile Justice System Different from the Adult Justice System?

It’s vital to know that the juvenile justice system operates differently from the adult justice system in various specific ways:

  • There is no jury trial or adjudication, and a judge decides the offenders’ fate
  • Children accused of a crime don’t have the right to have their parents present during questioning but have the right to have an attorney present if they are under 15
  • The juvenile system aims to rehabilitate offenders, while the adult system seeks to punish them.
  • Most cases in the juvenile system can be sealed so that the offender can transition into adulthood on a clean slate.
  • Sentences in the juvenile justice system are often shorter than in adult court.
  • The language used in the two systems differs. For example, a minor is not considered guilty or innocent.

Your child’s future is at stake if they face juvenile criminal charges. Giving them a second chance at life is critical at this point, and the chances of achieving this outcome are better if you work with aggressive juvenile defense attorneys in Orange County.

How Can My Child Beat the Juvenile Justice System?

If your child faces juvenile charges, it’s crucial to help them prepare adequately to go through the system and beat the charges. Skilled Orange County juvenile defense lawyers can help you evaluate the legal options available and choose the most suitable for a favorable outcome. During detention hearings, they can seek alternatives to prosecution and fight alternative sentencing options.

The outcome largely depends on the severity of the case. For example, skilled lawyers can fight to have petty violations such as shoplifting diverted to juvenile probation before a petition is filed in court. A probation officer will oversee the young offender after release, allowing the charges to be dismissed. Nonviolent, first-time offenders may be eligible for information probation.

Another alternative would be to seek deferred entry of judgment. However, it requires the minor to admit guilt. With effective legal representation, the charges can be dismissed once the program is complete. A solid defense system can impact whether your child can return home, be sent to an adult court, or spend time in a juvenile detention facility.

A Skilled Criminal Justice Attorney Helping Your Child Navigate the Juvenile Justice System?

Seeing your child being subjected to the juvenile justice system can be emotionally draining, especially if you don’t know what to do to help them. Fortunately, all hope is not lost, and you can protect your child from the harsh legal consequences. Southern Carolina criminal justice lawyers can work on your case to help you and your child navigate the system.

The SoCal Law Network hosts aggressive juvenile defense lawyers who can provide legal representation for your child. Your child’s past mistake shouldn’t dictate their future, and we are here to help them start on a clean slate as they transition into adulthood. Call us at 949-779-3799 for a FREE consultation.