Our law firm’s criminal defense attorneys will work tirelessly to defend the charges against your child and help obtain necessary rehabilitation and treatment programs.
At Gupta & Trujillo, our dedicated criminal defense lawyers can help you through your Juvenile Delinquency proceedings throughout Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, Inland Empire and San Diego. Contact our office for a free consultation.
California's criminal justice system treats juveniles differently from adults. While a juvenile can still be charged with felonies and misdemeanors just like adults, the juvenile system reflects society’s need to aid juveniles. As opposed to the adult criminal justice system, which focuses on the punishment of offenders, the juvenile justice system places an emphasis on treatment and rehabilitation.
In California, the juvenile delinquency court is a part of the superior court that deals with juvenile crimes. If your child is in delinquency proceedings, he or she may be charged with a(n):
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Felony (very serious offense, punishable by detention in a state institution);
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Misdemeanor (less serious offense, usually punishable by probation, county detention and/or a fine); and/or
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Infraction (least serious crime and usually punishable by a fine).
While the juvenile courts place strong emphasis on rehabilitation and treatment, a juvenile delinquency charge cannot be taken lightly. A criminal conviction can dramatically impact your child. Your child may be tried as an adult if your child is over the age of 14 and charged with a serious crime, including, but not limited to:
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Murder;
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Attempted murder;
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Rape;
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Kidnapping; and
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Crimes with guns.
NOTE: If your child was arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Gupta & Trujillo can help your child through that difficult process. (Please see our page on DUI for more information regarding DUI Law).
Juveniles in delinquency proceedings are entitled to all the rights an adult would have when arrested, including, but not limited to:
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miranda warnings;
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the right o confront his or her accuser; and
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the right to have an attorney present during questioning.
NOTE: A child in juvenile delinquency proceedings is not entitled to a jury trial. These cases are usually heard by judges alone.
If your child is charged with a crime, contact Gupta & Trujillo today. We will use our knowledge and experience to find the best solution for your child's future.
Juvenile Immigration Issues
Any individual, including a juvenile, who is not a U.S. citizen, may be subject to deportation depending on his or her criminal convictions or charges. California's juvenile delinquency courts do not impliment a uniform method of dealing with undocumented juveniles. Because this varies from case to case, it is important to contact Gupta & Trujillo to help you through the process. Given our experience in both criminal and immigration law, Gupta & Trujillo can assist you in your juvenile delinquency matters and address any immigration concerns you may have.
NOTE: While it is illegal for an individual to be in the U.S. without permission, all individuals within the U.S. borders are entitled to due process. Alien juveniles are entitled to the same treatment as any other youth involved in juvenile delinquency proceedings. |