When a juvenile in Redwood City, CA, gets caught up in the criminal justice system, it can be hard and confusing for them and their family. A juvenile criminal defense lawyer with Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at law, can defend you and put your interests first.
Our experienced Redwood City juvenile crimes attorneys help our clients navigate the complicated legal process, advocating for their rights and providing valuable support throughout the duration of the case. To date, we’ve successfully defended thousands of criminal cases and have won more than 50 trials. We’re confident that we can help you with your case as well.
For help with a juvenile case in Redwood City, California, contact Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation at (650) 299-0500.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested for Juvenile Crimes in Redwood City
When a minor is charged with a crime in Redwood City, it can be a harrowing and confusing experience for both the child and their family. Juvenile crimes attorneys serve an important role in preserving these young people’s rights and ensuring they are treated properly. Here’s how our criminal defense lawyers in Redwood City, CA can help you:
- We will gather all relevant information about the case, including police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and other forms of evidence.
- Based on the information gathered during the investigation, we will craft a defense strategy tailored to the unique circumstances of our client’s case.
- We will explain everything that is going on in a way that our client understands.
- The role of a juvenile attorney doesn’t necessarily end when the case is closed. We can also help clients address issues related to their case after its resolution, such as expungements, probation violations, and appeals.
Remember that you’re innocent until proven guilty; there’s likely still time to form an effective defense. Contact our law office today to get started.
Overview of Juvenile Crimes in California
Infractions and crimes allegedly committed by adolescents who were under the age of 18 at the time of the offense fall under the jurisdiction of juvenile courts in California.
How a Juvenile Case Begins
When confronted with a juvenile suspected of committing an offense, a peace officer has numerous options for dealing with the issue. These possible actions include:
- Issuing a warning and releasing the minor
- Citing the juvenile for a minor offense
- Detaining and taking the minor directly to juvenile hall
This discretion allows each case to be handled with unique circumstances in mind, increasing the chances of a fair outcome for all involved parties.
If a minor is taken to juvenile hall, they may be “booked” by a probation officer or district attorney, commencing the formal legal process. If the minor is not released, they remain in custody until a decision is made by the probation officer or court.
It’s important to note that the law presumes most juveniles should be released.
Some Minors Go to Adult Court
While most minors under 18 are tried in juvenile courts, there are instances where juveniles aged 16 and up may be subject to a “transfer hearing.” During this hearing, a judge will decide whether the minor should be transferred to adult court. The factors influencing this decision include:
- The extent of the minor’s criminal expertise,
- Whether the minor can be rehabilitated before juvenile court jurisdiction ends,
- The minor’s past delinquent behavior,
- The effectiveness of earlier efforts to rehabilitate the minor, and
- The situation and seriousness of the offenses stated in the petition.
Other factors could apply in some cases as well.
What Leads to a Transfer Hearing?
When juveniles commit certain crimes, the transfer hearing will take place. These offenses are commonly referred to as “Section 707(b) offenses,” and include:
- Murder
- Arson causing great bodily injury or of an inhabited structure
- Robbery
- Rape with force, violence, or threat of great bodily harm
- Sodomy by force, violence, or threat of great bodily harm
These are just a few examples of the serious offenses that may result in a minor being tried as an adult. Given the severity of these crimes, the justice system believes that they warrant adult-level consequences.
The California Juvenile Court System
A California Juvenile Court is a court established to address juvenile-related matters, including:
- Dependency proceedings: These take place for minors at risk of abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their families.
- Status offense proceedings: These involve minors who have violated laws specific to their age, such as truancy or curfew violations.
- Delinquency hearings: These hearings pertain to minors who have violated criminal laws, in which case they will progress through the juvenile justice system.
These are just a few examples of the types of issues juvenile courts help resolve.
What Are the Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in Redwood City, California?
Depending on the severity of the crime, a juvenile offender may face various penalties. Examples include:
- Informal probation: The juvenile may receive support, supervision, and guidance from a probation officer without court involvement.
- Fines or restitution: The offender may be ordered to pay penalties or compensate victims for the harm that their criminal action caused.
- Community service: Juvenile offenders may be required to perform community service, which can help them develop empathy and learn valuable life skills.
Some more serious crimes may necessitate a higher level of intervention, such as being taken out of their home environment. Examples include:
- Foster home placement: A child may be removed from their home and put into a suitable foster home if it is determined that the home environment might be contributing to the offending behavior.
- Commitment to detention: In extreme cases, for the more serious crimes, a judge may commit the youth to a juvenile facility for an appropriate period of time.
Overall, the primary goal is rehabilitation. Unlike adult cases that often emphasize punishment, the juvenile justice system is designed to provide the necessary guidance and resources to help young individuals learn from their mistakes and grow into responsible citizens.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Juvenile Crimes in Redwood City, CA?
Redwood City juvenile crimes attorneys play a crucial role in protecting their clients’ rights and advocating for appropriate rehabilitation programs. Some common defenses include:
Wrong Suspect or False Accusations
Arguably the most straightforward defense is proving that the young person accused is not responsible for the crime. Providing alibis, challenging witness testimony, or highlighting discrepancies in the evidence can all contribute to the defense’s case that the defendant has been falsely accused.
Insufficient Evidence
One of the most common defenses used in any criminal case, including juvenile crimes, revolves around the premise that there is not enough evidence for the prosecution to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense can challenge the reliability, admissibility, or sufficiency of the evidence against the accused.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Redwood City Juvenile Crimes Lawyers
In California, juvenile crimes are taken seriously and can have lifelong consequences for young offenders. It’s important to approach these cases with compassion and understanding, recognizing that young people make mistakes and often need guidance to navigate the complexities of the justice system.
Finding an experienced lawyer who specializes in juvenile crimes is the most important step you can take. For help, contact Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Redwood City juvenile crimes lawyer.