Los Angeles Juvenile Crime Attorney

When a young person faces criminal charges in Los Angeles, the situation demands a specialized approach. Juvenile crime cases are not just about the law but about protecting a young person's future.

At Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers, our Los Angeles juvenile crime attorney knows the stakes and is dedicated to defending the rights of juveniles. We provide sympathetic and effective legal representation to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Our approach combines legal experience with awareness of the juvenile justice system's complexities. We know that juvenile cases require a delicate balance between accountability and rehabilitation. Our team works tirelessly to protect your child's rights throughout the legal process.

With Perlman & Cohen, your child's case is not just another case number; they are a young individual with a future worth fighting for.

Our Los Angeles Juvenile Crime Attorney Understands the Unique Nature of Childhood Crime

Juvenile crimes differ from adult crimes, not just in the offenses but in how the legal system treats them. Our Los Angeles juvenile crime attorney specializes in these unique cases, providing a defense that acknowledges juvenile offenses' legal and developmental aspects. We focus on rehabilitation and avoiding harsh punishments that can follow young people into adulthood.

Children make mistakes, but these mistakes should not derail their entire future. Our attorney works to ensure that the consequences of a youthful error are fair and allow for personal growth and rehabilitation.

We strive to turn every case into an opportunity for positive change rather than just punishment. Our defense strategies are tailored to highlight the youth's potential for rehabilitation and the unique circumstances of each case.

Overview of the Juvenile Justice System in Los Angeles

The juvenile justice system in Los Angeles is designed to handle cases involving individuals under the age of 18 who are accused of committing criminal offenses. This system focuses more on rehabilitating young people rather than punishing them. It operates under different rules than the adult criminal system, providing a framework to support rather than penalize.

The system is complex, and navigating it without experienced guidance can be challenging. Our Los Angeles juvenile crime attorney is well-versed in the workings of the juvenile courts and can guide you and your child through each step of the process.

We ensure you know what is happening and what steps are being taken in your child's defense. Our aim is always to protect your child's legal rights and their future.

Key Differences Between Juvenile and Adult Criminal Systems

• Court settings. Juvenile court proceedings are generally less formal than adult court. The focus is more on rehabilitation than punishment.
• Privacy. Juvenile proceedings are not open to the public, which helps protect the youth's privacy and future prospects.
• Records. Juvenile records can be sealed in many cases, meaning they won't be accessible as public records.
• Sentencing. Juvenile sentencing focuses on rehabilitation programs instead of prison terms.
• Legal standards. The standards and procedures in juvenile court differ from those in adult criminal court, with a focus on the best interests of the youth.
• Rights. In juvenile court, youths have the right to legal representation but not always the right to a public trial by jury.
• Rehabilitative services. The juvenile system provides access to educational and psychological services not typically available in the adult system.

Goals of the Juvenile Justice System

The primary goal of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate rather than punish. It aims to guide the youth back into society as responsible citizens.

The system recognizes that young people are capable of considerable growth and change, and it provides opportunities for educational and personal development.

Another important goal is to protect the community while safeguarding the youth's welfare. The system tries to balance these needs by imposing needed but fair interventions. This may include counseling, community service, or placement in juvenile facilities focusing on therapy and education.

Our Los Angeles juvenile crime attorney works within this framework to achieve outcomes that benefit youth and the community.

Common Types of Juvenile Offenses

• Vandalism. Often seen as a minor offense, vandalism can lead to substantial consequences for juveniles.
• Shoplifting. Theft is a common juvenile offense that can impact a young person's future if it is handled incorrectly.
• Assault. Fights at school or other locations can escalate to charges of assault, which require severe legal defense.
• Drug offenses. Possession or use of drugs is a frequent issue among juveniles, and it can lead to severe penalties.
• Burglary. Entering a building intending to commit theft or any felony is a heavy offense that juveniles might commit. Contact us for help with burglary charges.
• Sex crimes. Charges like sexual assault can have deep impacts on a juvenile's life, including registration as a sex offender.
• Cybercrimes. With the increasing use of the internet, offenses such as hacking or cyberbullying are becoming more common among juveniles.

Legal Process for Juvenile Offenders

The legal process for juvenile offenders in Los Angeles involves several key steps:

1. Police report. The process typically begins with a police report being filed after an alleged offense is reported.
2. Detention. Depending on the severity of the offense, the juvenile may be detained in a juvenile hall pending further proceedings.
3. Intake officer review. An intake officer will review the case to decide if it should proceed to court or be diverted.
4. Detention hearing. If detained, a hearing is held to determine if the juvenile should remain in custody pending trial.
5. Adjudication hearing. This is the juvenile equivalent of a trial in adult court, where the judge hears evidence and makes a ruling.
6. Disposition hearing. This hearing determines the appropriate rehabilitation measures if the juvenile is found to be delinquent.
7. Probation. Often, juveniles are placed on probation with specific conditions set by the court.

Detention Hearings and Adjudication

Detention hearings are critical in the juvenile system. They determine whether a juvenile should be kept in custody while awaiting trial. These hearings must occur promptly after the juvenile is taken into custody, ensuring that rights are not violated.

Adjudication in juvenile court is not about guilt or innocence in the traditional sense. Instead, it's about whether the juvenile committed the act they are accused of. This phase focuses on knowing the circumstances of the offense and deciding the best way to rehabilitate the youth.

Sentencing Options for Juveniles

Sentencing in the juvenile system is designed to provide the needed support to help youth reform.

Options include probation, community service, and placement in juvenile facilities that offer comprehensive rehabilitative services. The aim is to provide interventions that help the juvenile return to the community as a responsible citizen.

Consequences of Juvenile Offenses

The consequences of juvenile offenses can extend far beyond the immediate and harsh legal penalties themselves. A juvenile record can impact future opportunities, including education and employment. However, the juvenile system is designed to limit these negative outcomes through rehabilitation and education.

Short-Term and Long-Term Impacts

In the short term, juveniles may face restrictions on their freedom, such as detention or probation. They might also need to attend counseling sessions or community service.

In the long term, the effects of a juvenile record can be mitigated through legal processes like sealing or expungement, which we aim to facilitate for our clients.

The long-term impact of a juvenile offense can include difficulties in securing employment or admission to educational institutions. However, successful rehabilitation and legal advocacy can considerably reduce these impacts, allowing the juvenile to move on from their past mistakes.

Potential for Seal or Expungement of Records

It is frequently possible to seal juvenile records, which removes them from the public record and prevents access by most employers and educational institutions.

Records can sometimes be completely expunged, effectively erasing the offense's prior criminal history. Our attorneys work to ensure that every juvenile has the opportunity to start afresh without being held back by past indiscretions.

Sealing and expungement are critical aspects of the juvenile justice system. They recognize young people's potential for change and growth. We guide our clients through this process, ensuring they know their rights and the steps required to clear their records.

Defense Strategies in Juvenile Cases

• Demonstrating a lack of intent. A strong defense can show that the juvenile did not intend to commit a crime.
• Questioning the evidence. We carefully review the prosecution's evidence, looking for flaws or inconsistencies that can benefit the juvenile.
• Presenting mitigating circumstances. We highlight factors such as the juvenile's background, family situation, and any pressures they were under. These might have contributed to their behavior.
• Advocating for rehabilitation. Instead of punishment, we argue for options that focus on rehabilitating the juvenile, such as counseling or education.
• Protecting constitutional rights. We ensure the juvenile's legal rights were not violated during the arrest or investigation. This is fundamental to our defense strategy.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Juvenile Crime Attorney To Help Your Child

Navigating the juvenile justice system without experienced legal help can jeopardize your child's future.

A Los Angeles juvenile crime attorney can provide the experience and guidance needed to go through this complex system. We ensure that your child receives a defense that addresses the immediate charges and protects their long-term interests.

Our attorneys are committed to advocating for the best outcomes for our young clients. We work to minimize the impact of the charges on their future. We focus on rehabilitation and positive development. With Perlman & Cohen, your child has a supporter who knows the juvenile law and young people's challenges.

FAQs

Call Our Los Angeles Juvenile Crime Attorney for a Free Consultation

If your child is facing juvenile charges, don't wait to seek professional help. Contact Perlman & Cohen today for a free consultation with our Los Angeles juvenile crime attorney.

The California juvenile court system can be confusing, just like the adult criminal justice system. Your child deserves a guide through the juvenile court process. This includes a strong juvenile defense attorney.

If your child has been accused of a criminal offense, even a felony offense, rely on our juvenile criminal defense attorney and lawyers. Contact our juvenile criminal defense firm to schedule a free case consultation.