Juvenile Crimes

The juvenile legal system is much different than the laws and rights governing adults.  Juvenile court has its own personnel, courts, procedures and laws.  The juvenile system generally handles cases involving minors between the ages of ten and 18. Some of the rights guaranteed in minors in juvenile court are:

• Do not have the right to a public trial
• Do not have the right to a jury
• Entitled to a notice of all charges brought against them
• Have the right to confront hostile witnesses
• Have the right to a fair trial with a judge

Juveniles are capable of committing most of the crimes committed by adults. The following is a list of crimes a juvenile can be charged with in the state of California:

• Murder
• Assault (physical, sexual, aggravated)
• Theft crimes (burglary, robbery, etc.)
• Destruction of property or vandalism
• Drug Crimes (possession, sale, cultivation)
• Gang activity
• Gun possession
• Rape
• Underage drinking
• Shoplifting
• Battery
• Truency
• Forgery

When a juvenile is accused of a crime it is called a “delinquency.”  Juvenile courts focus more on counseling and rehabilitation, as opposed to punishment, with the hopes of shaping the juvenile into a productive member of society.  Typical penalties for juvenile crimes include community service, probation, treatment programs, camp, or a fine.  Recently however, depending on the severity of the crime committed a juvenile can be tried as an adult and face the legal consequences of adult court.

If your son or daughter has gotten into trouble with the law, it is important to seek a skilled criminal defense attorney with experience in juvenile law.  An experienced juvenile defense attorney can help ensure that the mistakes or bad judgments made in youth are not carried into adulthood.  When a juvenile is convicted of a crime, his/her future opportunities may be limited.

If your child has been charged a juvenile crime in the Los Angeles area, it is vital to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. The legal expertise of a skilled criminal defense attorney can drastically improve his/her chances in a court of law. A knowledgeable attorney can protect your child’s rights and present you with legal options and extensive resources.

The Law Offices of Richard Sudar have successfully represented many children charged with a juvenile crime in the Los Angeles area. The Law Offices of Richard Sudar are committed to fighting on behalf of your child’s best interest and legal rights.  If you are in need of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, call the Law Offices of Richard Sudar today!