When a child is arrested or accused of committing a crime, parents often have many questions about what happens next.
California’s juvenile justice system differs from the adult criminal court system in important ways. But that does not mean juvenile charges should be taken lightly. Depending on the allegations, a juvenile case can potentially affect a young person’s education, freedom, reputation, and future opportunities.
Fresno criminal defense attorney Gregory W. Fox has more than 20 years of experience defending individuals accused of criminal offenses, including juvenile proceedings throughout Fresno and Central California.
Juvenile Criminal Cases in Fresno
Young people can become involved in the juvenile justice system for many of the same types of conduct that would result in criminal charges against an adult.
Our office can represent juveniles facing allegations involving:
- Theft and shoplifting
- Assault and battery
- Fighting
- Drug possession
- Drug sales
- Weapons offenses
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Vandalism
- Vehicle-related offenses
- Sex offense allegations
- Gang-related allegations
- Serious or violent offenses
- Probation violations
The appropriate defense depends on the specific allegation, the evidence, the juvenile’s age and history, and other circumstances.
Juvenile Court Is Different From Adult Criminal Court
California’s juvenile justice system has its own terminology, procedures, and potential outcomes.
Although rehabilitation is an important goal of the juvenile system, serious allegations can still result in significant consequences.
Parents should not assume that a charge will automatically disappear simply because their child is under 18.
Getting an attorney involved early provides an opportunity to examine the evidence, understand the juvenile court process, and begin developing a defense.
What Happens After a Juvenile Is Arrested?
What happens next depends upon the circumstances.
Law enforcement and juvenile authorities may consider the seriousness of the alleged offense, the child’s age, prior history, and other factors when determining how the case proceeds.
Because every situation is different, parents should obtain advice based on the actual allegations rather than relying on assumptions about how juvenile cases are handled.
Defenses to Juvenile Charges
Juveniles have important constitutional rights.
Depending upon the case, the defense may examine issues such as:
False or Exaggerated Allegations
Disputes among students, friends, dating partners, or other young people can sometimes result in criminal accusations that do not accurately reflect what happened.
Mistaken Identity
Cases involving groups of juveniles can create identification problems. The fact that a child was present does not necessarily establish that he or she committed the alleged offense.
Search and Seizure
Juvenile cases may involve searches of a young person’s clothing, backpack, vehicle, bedroom, phone, or other property. The circumstances surrounding a search can be important to the defense.
Statements to Police
Young people may feel pressured to answer questions from police or authority figures without fully understanding the consequences.
Statements obtained during an investigation should be carefully reviewed.
Self-Defense
Juvenile assault cases frequently arise from fights. Determining who initiated the confrontation and whether the juvenile reasonably acted in self-defense can be critical.
Serious Juvenile Offenses
Some juvenile cases involve allegations of serious or violent criminal conduct.
These cases require particular attention because the potential consequences can be substantial and the procedures may become more complicated.
The defense should begin investigating the evidence as early as possible, particularly when the case involves multiple witnesses, surveillance footage, social-media evidence, electronic communications, weapons, or forensic evidence.
Protecting a Young Person's Future
A juvenile case is about more than what happens at the next court appearance.
Parents are understandably concerned about how an allegation could affect their child’s education, employment, college plans, and future.
An effective defense should therefore consider both the immediate criminal allegations and the potential long-term impact on the young person.
Fresno Juvenile Defense Lawyer
If your child has been arrested, questioned by police, or accused of committing a crime, obtaining legal advice early can help you understand the process and available options.
Gregory W. Fox personally handles his clients’ cases and represents juveniles and their families in criminal matters throughout Fresno and Central California.
Call (559) 222-5800 to request a consultation regarding a juvenile criminal case.