Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorney

If your son or daughter has been charged with, or arrested for, a criminal offense, in California then you have already learned the hard way that your child’s entire life and future is at stake pending the outcome of the criminal case.  Especially, because a juvenile conviction can carry a lifetime of negative consequences for your child, it is exceptionally important that you consult with a knowledgeable and compassionate criminal defense lawyer regarding your child’s criminal case.

The Law Offices of Karen L. Goldstein is empathetic, experienced, and attentive to the needs of parents, and their children, as they navigate through the complicated juvenile criminal laws in California. Quite simply, children deserve a second chance for what may have been a once-in-a-lifetime mistake.

Common juvenile crimes cases include:

• Grand theft
• Petty theft (shoplifting)
• Carjacking
• Commercial burglary
• Vandalism (“tagging”)
• Robbery
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession for sale of a controlled substance
• Sales or Transportation of a controlled substance
• Possession of a weapon or firearm
• Arson
• DUI
• Gang-related crimes
• Date rape
• Sex crimes

Juvenile courts generally try to help rehabilitate the minor, however; juvenile crimes such as murder, robbery, arson, rape, and child molestation may be certified to adult criminal court which can result in even more devastating penalties for your child.  An experienced and knowledgeable juvenile crimes defense attorney can help you fight for your child’s case whether it remains in the juvenile court or is certified to adult court.

Alternative Sentencing in Juvenile Criminal Cases

Fortunately, there are many legal options available in juvenile criminal cases. For example, the juvenile courts have set up several different types of probation or diversion programs which can help the minor earn a complete dismissal of the criminal charges.

Depending on the individual facts of your child’s case, he or she may be eligible to for one of the following:

• Informal Diversion 
• Informal Diversion though the Courts (also called “654”) (W&I Code §654): applies to some misdemeanor charges; a 6 month program of supervision (can be increased to 1 year) which may include: counseling, drug testing, community service, and a strict curfew
• 6 month Deferred Entry of Judgment (W&I Code §725): applies to some misdemeanor or felony charges; a 6 month program of supervision which may include: counseling, drug testing, community service, and a strict curfew
• 1 year Deferred Entry of Judgment (W&I Code §790): applies to some felony charges; a 12 month program of supervision (can be up to 36 months) which may include: counseling, drug testing, community service, and a strict curfew

If your child has been charged with, or arrested for, a criminal misdemeanor or felony, then speak with a compassionate, and skilled juvenile crimes defense lawyer today at The Law Offices of Karen L. Goldstein for a free, confidential consultation: (888) 445-6313.