Juvenile Law

Juvenile law in California encompasses the areas of juvenile delinquency and juvenile dependency. Criminal law violations by a minor (someone under the age of 18) make up the juvenile delinquency category. California’s juvenile justice system, like all states’ juvenile legal systems, is designed specifically for dealing with “delinquent” minors, or those accused of committing crimes. Depending on the nature of the crime, juvenile punishments may include detention, probation, treatment programs and more.

If a minor in your care has been arrested or charged with a crime, you need an attorney who is experienced in the field of juvenile law. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Grech & Firetag have the juvenile law experience that will help you at this difficult time. Contact our offices for a complimentary consultation, and we will help you understand your legal options and determine a course of action.

California's Juvenile Justice System
When a minor is arrested in California, the police have the discretion to release the minor to his or her parents, or take the minor to the local juvenile hall. The district attorney also has a significant amount of discretion in juvenile cases. If the crime committed is serious, however, there is less discretion, and the penalties can be life changing.

In California, as in many states, minors charged with a crime are dealt with in a juvenile court system, where the goal is to treat and rehabilitate juvenile offenders. However, consequences for a juvenile offender can still be harsh and may include any of the following: 

• Fines
• Treatment programs
• Community supervision
• Detention
• Informal probation
• Formal probation
• Incarceration

If a minor has been accused of a crime and the charges are not dropped, the proceedings will take place in the juvenile court system, except in cases involving especially serious crimes. In juvenile court, the minor's case is heard by a judge, not by a jury. The burden of proof is the same as in adult court—proof beyond a reasonable doubt that he or she committed the crime. Social service agencies, schools, and community-based organizations may be asked to participate in a juvenile offender's case.

When Juveniles Are Treated as Adults
A minor charged with committing one of a specified set of violent or serious crimes can be transferred from the juvenile system to adult court and be tried as an adult. In most of these cases, a judge will make the determination of whether it is appropriate to transfer a minor to the adult court. In certain very serious cases, the district attorney can charge the minor with an offense to be processed in the adult court system.

If a minor in your care has been arrested or charged with a crime, it is imperative that you contact an experienced juvenile law attorney for help. At the Law Offices of Grech & Firetag, our aggressive attorneys will strive to achieve the best outcome for your case. Contact our offices today to arrange a FREE consultation.