Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Modesto, California

Teenagers often make mistakes, and sometimes, those mistakes land them in trouble with the law. However, teenagers aren’t the only ones who find themselves facing juvenile charges. Any minor who has broken the law could face legal consequences.

When your child has an encounter with the authorities, you want to do whatever it takes to protect them. Whether your child is facing juvenile court over shoplifting, theft, assault, weapons, drugs, alcohol, or a different charge, you want to make sure that their future is protected.

Attorney Ryan Roth fights for both adults and minors who face criminal charges. He knows how to aggressively defend your child’s rights and best interests in and out of the courtroom. Attorney Ryan Roth will advocate for your child’s case while treating the situation with compassion. Roth Legal, A Professional Law Corporation represents clients in Modesto, California, as well as Stockton, Manteca, Merced, and throughout the state.

Types of Juvenile Crimes in California

There are many offenses juveniles can be charged with in California. These crimes include:

• Burglary

• Robbery

• Shoplifting

• Joyriding

• Minor in possession of alcohol or marijuana

• Weapons charges

• Gang crimes

• Trespassing

• Vandalism

• Sexting

The Juvenile Justice Process

In California, the juvenile justice process begins when a police officer believes that a minor has committed an offense. The officer must read the child their Miranda rights and can then take the minor into temporary custody.

Then, the police officer has several different options for their next action. One of the most common actions is citing the juvenile for a minor offense and issuing a Notice to Appear. For more serious offenses, the officer can detain the minor and take them directly to juvenile hall.

Typically, the Notice to Appear directs you and your child to appear at the police station and meet with a probation officer. The officer can lecture your child and let them go home, allow the child to complete a voluntary program instead of going to court, or keep your child detained and send your child’s case to the district attorney.

When a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult

There are certain extremely serious circumstances under which a juvenile can be tried as an adult. The district attorney can request that the child be tried as an adult if the alleged crime is extremely violent.

For example, if a child used a firearm in the commission of a felony and has a prior record, or if the victim was vulnerable (elderly, blind, deaf, or disabled), then the child can be charged as an adult even at the age of 14.

Juveniles who are convicted of a crime can typically receive the same type of sentencing as an adult, including life without the possibility of parole.

Possible Penalties

There are several different possible penalties for the most common types of juvenile crimes. The probation officer may decide to allow your child to complete a voluntary program instead of going to court. There are different types of programs, including community service, counseling, special classes, and other activities.

If your child is sent to juvenile court, they may still be required to complete one of these programs or they may face more serious consequences. More serious consequences include formal probation, fines, restitution, and placement in a foster home. The most serious crimes have penalties involving detention through the Division of Juvenile Justice.