Juvenile Crimes In Orange County
Every parent's worst fear is that of losing their child. But as Orange County juvenile crime defense attorneys, we at Coffey & Coffey know that it is a nightmare for parents to find their young child charged with a crime. Orange County juvenile courts and juvenile law deal with crimes that are committed by children. The maximum age for a juvenile offender may vary from state to state, but usually it is 17 years.
Juvenile Crimes and the Law
Local, state and federal governments prosecute various crimes committed by children, which could range from something as small as shoplifting or petty theft to serious felony crimes such as sexual assault and murder. A child may be prosecuted as a juvenile or an adult based on the nature, circumstances and gravity of the crime. While children have many of the same rights adults have  such as the right to legal representation, those prosecuted in juvenile courts have some special rights. For example, a juvenile court hearing is not open to the press or public and records relating to the proceedings are always sealed.
A different Emphasis
The approach of a juvenile court is very different from that of an adult court. When an adult is accused of a crime, he or she is brought to court and goes through the process of conviction/acquittal and if necessary, sentencing. But a juvenile case doesn't end in "conviction," but it culminates in "adjudication." The goal and purpose of these courts is and should be to rehabilitate these young people, not incarcerate them. Even if incarcerated, most states require that juveniles be released from custody when they become adults.
Stiff Penalties
If a juvenile is found guilty of a crime, he or she could get probation, pay a fine or be ordered to community service. He or she may also have to serve time at a juvenile correctional facility. Sometimes, there is the possibility that a juvenile will be tried as an adult. When that happens, court proceedings and records become open and the child may end up receiving a conviction same as an adult would for a similar crime. There have been many cases where teenagers have been sentenced to serve time in state prison.
This is a frightening possibility and precisely why you need an experienced and knowledgeable defense attorney. The Orange County juvenile criminal defense lawyers at Coffey & Coffey can get the best possible results for you so your child will have an opportunity for a brighter future. If you child has been convicted of a crime, call Coffey & Coffey immediately to discuss your case.
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