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Juvenile crimes can have serious consequences that follow minors into adulthood. If your child is accused of a criminal act in Van Nuys, do not leave the outcome of their case to chance. Let a California juvenile crime lawyer with the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling put our 20 years of legal experience into building a persuasive defense for your child. Contact us online or call today for a free case review.
What Are Juvenile Crimes?
Juvenile crimes are offenses committed by individuals under the age of 18. When minors break the law in California, the juvenile justice system and the courts call it a delinquent act instead of a crime.
However, just like adults, juvenile offenses are classified according to their severity and may include:
- Felonies – Felony offenses are the most serious and include violent crimes, sex offenses, and some drug and property charges.
- Misdemeanors – Misdemeanor charges are for less severe crimes, including petty theft and underage drinking.
- Infractions – Infractions are the least serious charges. Traffic violations are one of the most common types of infractions.
What Is the Role of a Van Nuys Juvenile Crime Lawyer?
Juvenile crime attorneys provide legal representation for minors. At The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, our legal team will do everything possible to protect your child so that their youthful mistakes do not compromise their futures. We will:
- Review the case and explain the charges
- Investigate, gather evidence, and build a defense
- Attempt to negotiate a case resolution or have the charges dropped or reduced
- Guide your family through the juvenile court process and represent your child during the proceedings
- Work to mitigate the effect of the charges on your child’s life, including advocating for sealing records
Common Juvenile Offenses in Van Nuys
Common juvenile offenses in Van Nuys include:
- Gang-related offenses
- Underage drinking and public drunkenness
- DUI
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Burglary
- Vandalism
- Drug possession
- Weapons offenses
- Assault
- Sex crimes
- Computer crimes
- Cyberbullying or harassment
Juvenile Criminal System vs. Adult Criminal Justice System in California
The juvenile criminal and adult criminal systems in California have different purposes:
The juvenile system’s overall emphasis is on rehabilitation. Juvenile courts want youth offenders to go on to be productive members of society, which often means working with probation officers, community-based organizations, and social services to rehabilitate children instead of sending them to detention facilities. In addition, juvenile courts are often less formal than adult courts, and youths do not go before juries, only judges.
By contrast, the adult criminal justice system aims to punish and deter offenders from committing future crimes.
Consequences of Juvenile Offenses
The consequences of a juvenile offense can include formal or informal probation, restitution (repayment) to the victims, and community service. Juveniles may also have to participate in programs like drug treatment or anger management.
For felonies and more serious misdemeanors, penalties may include a sentence in a state- or county-run juvenile detention facility. In cases involving severe and violent crimes where the minor is 16 or older, the state may decide to prosecute them as an adult and sentence them to an adult prison.
Contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling Today
Even though juvenile courts focus on placing young offenders on the path to becoming law-abiding citizens, minors can still benefit from representation by a skilled criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling is here to help. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a Van Nuys juvenile crime attorney.
