San Luis Obispo Juvenile Criminal Lawyer
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Children are constantly learning about the wider world and how to properly interact with other people. Occasionally, they may not understand the consequences of their actions, and mere mischief can spiral into more serious matters.
If this has happened to your child, a San Luis Obispo juvenile criminal lawyer could help you navigate the legal process and defend their rights. Although minors are treated differently from adults in the criminal justice system, a conviction could still have an impact on their future. To learn how our team of seasoned defense attorneys could help, schedule your consultation today.
As in other states, individuals are considered legal adults once they have reached the age of 18. This is generally because it is the age at which the brain and cognitive functions have matured, and most individuals possess a working understanding of right or wrong. Accordingly, juvenile crimes refer to illegal actions committed by those under 18 years old. Some common examples could be:
Furthermore, new types of offenses have emerged with the abundant usage of the internet and social media, such as cyberbullying and harassment, and distributing sexual photographs and videos. No matter the crime your child has been accused of committing, an experienced attorney in San Luis Obispo could help prevent a youthful offense from affecting their adult future.
The goal of the juvenile justice system is to intervene and rehabilitate the offender before their behavior follows them into adulthood. Because of this, charges are usually only filed if the prosecutor believes that court action is necessary for the safety of both the juvenile offender and the public. Judges tend to be more lenient and take the child’s home environment, school situation, and expression of remorse into strong consideration when deciding on a punishment.
A judge may determine that simple probation, either supervised or unsupervised, is all that is needed. This consists of following the rules, maintaining school attendance, and regular check-ins with court officials for a set period of time. For more serious offenses or repeated violations, a judge may order the offender to spend time in juvenile detention for days or months. Some sexual offenses may require registering as a juvenile sex offender. In rare cases, the prosecutor may petition to move the case to adult court, where the juvenile will face the charges and consequences as an adult, which could include a prison sentence.
Beyond the court-imposed punishments, the experience could have a detrimental impact on your minor’s emotional and educational development. Having skilled legal representation in the San Luis Obispo juvenile justice system is the key to finding the best solution.
If you are a parent, it can be devastating and confusing to learn that your child is in trouble with the law. A San Luis Obispo juvenile criminal lawyer could provide support and guidance during this difficult time.
Protect your child’s future with the help of our attorneys. Contact the Law Offices of John C. Carlson today to schedule a consultation and begin building a defense strategy.