Juvenile Defense Attorney

Have you or a loved one been charged with a crime as a juvenile?

If you or a loved one is confronting criminal charges as a juvenile, you may be feeling anxious, uncertain and scared about what comes next. In this challenging moment, you owe it to yourself to retain an experienced juvenile lawyer in Marin County. A knowledgeable juvenile defense lawyer understands the inherent distinctions and complexities associated with the juvenile criminal process in California. They can help you navigate these complexities and build a compelling defense to combat these charges.

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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:

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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
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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 >

Frequently Asked Questions – Marin County Juvenile Court >

Sealing Juvenile Court Records >

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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. 

 

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Testimonials

Here’s what clients had to say about Kevin Heaney’s work
Kevin did an amazing job. He turned a nightmare into a really manageable situation. Without going into detail, I was facing some complications due to my record that would have made for a lengthy and grand problem. He was able to get it mitigated and really came away amazing, compared to where we started. Worth every penny and more. I feel that the work he did was more than commensurate for what he charged me. I will use him in the future and I would recommend him to family and friends.
G.K.
Amazing honest and efficient lawyer! Kevin knows the ins and outs of the criminal system. He is the definitely the guy to have on your side. I won’t go into the details of the case, but my brother got involve in a domestic violent situation and we needed a good Marin lawyer that wouldn’t charge an arm and a leg to take his case. I was referred to Kevin by a friend of mine. I noticed on the initial phone consultation that he really wanted to help. We were able to work out a very reasonable price for the handling of the case, so we hired him. Kevin worked hard since day one, and he got my bro a very good deal with the DA. Our family is thankful to have hired him.
M.T.
I contacted Kevin when I needed legal representation in a case which I felt required a high level of client service and representation. He was always right there for me when I needed him, whether it was showing up early for hearings, to the individualized attention I received at the courthouse, and having private meetings in his office anytime, as often as needed without any rescheduling. Kevin approached my case with care and made me feel comfortable as he took the time to thoroughly review my case history, explain my options to me, and was readily available and responsive when I had questions or just needed to talk to him. He treated my case with genuine care and attention it deserved and my case results certainly reflected his strong personal and professional attributes. I wouldn’t hesitate to contact Kevin again if the need arises.
M.K.
I received the best possible outcome by giving my case to Kevin Heaney. He fought for me the entire way until he got my case dismissed! I have never come across a lawyer that cares so much about his clients or what happens to them. His rates are very affordable and he is open to negotiate the numbers. It is clear that he wants to help. Kevin knows his stuff and he is on top of it. He is also very personable, kept me in the loop of things throughout the process and always returned my calls and emails. I am grateful and lucky to have found Kevin. He is a true professional and knows how to get it done.
N.H.
I wanted to thank you for the excellent job you did on getting Luis Correa’s case dismissed. You were very efficient and with minimal stress to Mr Correa. He had full confidence in you and you made it very easy for him to put this case in your hands. The fact that he only had to meet with you a few times and only able to provide you with minimal information he had on his case was a blessing that you were able to get the case dismissed! You know your stuff! Thank you once again and Mr Correa is very pleased with the outcome and can get on with his life without this case over him.
M.S.

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