Juvenile Defense Attorney
Have you or a loved one been charged with a crime as a juvenile?
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Common Juvenile Charges
In Marin County, charges against juveniles are generally handled by the juvenile justice system. Some common juvenile offenses in Marin County include the following:
- Assault
- Automobile theft
- Forgery
- Graffiti
- Sexting
- Shoplifting
- Vandalism
- DUI or DWI
What factors allow a minor to be charged as an adult?
In Marin County, there is the possibility that a minor could be charged as an adult, depending on the seriousness of the alleged criminal offense. Though, pursuant to California law, prosecution of children younger than age 14 is generally prohibited. Nevertheless, minors between the ages of 14 and 17 could potentially be charged and tried as an adult via the following procedures:
- A prosecutor could file a petition for a “fitness” hearing in juvenile court. If the juvenile court judge finds the minor “unfit” for rehabilitation, the minor may referred for criminal prosecution as an adult;
- The prosecutor opts to directly file in adult criminal court; and/or
- There is an automatic trial as an adult when for specific aggravated offenses, including (but not limited to):
- Arson resulting in bodily harm to others;
- Kidnapping for ransom;
- Murder; and/or
- Voluntary manslaughter
Consequences of a Juvenile Charge on Your Record
Retaining the services of a skilled and experienced juvenile crimes lawyer is strongly recommended due to the potential consequences, and long-term ramifications, of a juvenile criminal charge on your record. Having a criminal charge, or conviction, on your record is akin to wearing a scarlet letter. It is oftentimes a red flag for employers, educational institutions, professional certification boards, and so forth. This means having a juvenile charge on your record could potentially impact your social, financial, and professional options.
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Sealing Juvenile Records
If you are convicted of a juvenile crime, there is the possibility of getting the conviction sealed, in accordance with Welfare and Institutions Code §781. If a juvenile conviction is successfully sealed, it is essentially inaccessible to public scrutiny. Though, it is important to understand that a juvenile criminal record may not qualify for sealing if you were convicted as an adult for a crime involving “moral turpitude” — such as murder, a sex crime, specific drug crimes, forgery or other crimes of dishonesty.
Marin County Juvenile Justice System & Court Resources
Marin County offers great resources to help you understand the Juvenile Justice system and what you and your loved ones can expect when charged with a juvenile crime. You can visit these pages for more information & contact our office to help answer any questions you may have.
Guide to Juvenile Justice Court >
Marin County Juvenile Justice >
If A Minor is Arrested – What You Need to Know >
Hire a Marin County Juvenile Defense Attorney Today
If you are looking for a skilled and experienced juvenile defense attorney in Marin County to help with your legal matter, then contact the Law Offices of Kevin Heaney today. Kevin is a respected and knowledgeable juvenile defense lawyer. He is an effective trial lawyer with more than two decades of experience helping clients charged with various crimes, including juvenile criminal offenses. To learn more, contact Kevin’s office today.