Rancho Cucamonga Juvenile Crimes Lawyer 

Experienced Defense Against Juvenile Charges in San Bernardino County

Every parent dreads getting the phone call saying their child has been arrested. While your first instinct may be to panic or become worried for their safety and future, it’s important to remember that kids often can’t handle everything on their own and will depend on you for help. To help ensure their charges don’t have a significantly detrimental impact on their future, you must reach out to a Rancho Cucamonga juvenile crimes defense attorney as soon as possible. Retaining legal counsel from Newman & Allen can help you and your child effectively navigate their juvenile case and preserve their rights when facing the harsh criminal justice system.

At Newman & Allen, our legal team knows that your child is the most important person in any legal matter in which they have been arrested and charged with a crime. Our lawyers firmly believe in protecting their future, and we are fierce advocates for their rights when fighting against prosecution. Our criminal defense lawyers are not afraid to go the distance for our clients, and we fight to the end to help you obtain the best outcome possible for you. Whether your child is dealing with a misdemeanor or a serious felony charge, you can’t afford to take things lightly; contact us today and let us work with you and serve as a champion for you and your child throughout your juvenile case.

How California's Juvenile Court System Works

California's Juvenile Court System handles cases involving minors alleged to have violated state or federal laws or needs care and protection. Here's how the system works:

• Arrest: When a minor is suspected of committing a crime, law enforcement may arrest and take them into custody.
• Detention: After being arrested, the minor may be placed in a juvenile detention center, where they stay until their court hearing.
• Initial hearing: Within two business days of being detained, the minor must appear before a judge for an initial hearing, also known as a detention hearing. At this hearing, the judge will determine if the minor should be released or remain in custody.
• Formal charges: If the judge decides to continue the case, formal charges will be filed against the minor.
• Adjudication hearing: This is similar to a trial in adult court. During the adjudication hearing, the judge will hear evidence and testimony from witnesses and decide whether the minor is guilty or not guilty of the charges.
• Disposition hearing: If the minor is found guilty, they will attend a disposition hearing, where the judge will decide what type of punishment or rehabilitation program is appropriate.
• Probation: In many cases, the judge will order the minor to serve a probation period. This can involve various conditions, such as attending school, staying away from certain people, or participating in counseling.
• Rehabilitation programs: Sometimes, the judge may order the minor to attend a rehabilitation program, such as drug or alcohol treatment, counseling, or community service.
• Appeal: If the minor or their legal guardian is unsatisfied with the case's outcome, they may have the right to appeal the decision.

It's important to note that California's juvenile court system aims to rehabilitate minors and help them become productive members of society rather than simply punishing them for their actions.

Common Types of Juvenile Crimes

Common juvenile offenses often include:

• Shoplifting & theft crimes
• Vandalism
• Minor in possession of alcohol
• Public intoxication
• Driving under the influence
• Drug crimes

What are the Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in California?  

In California, juvenile crime penalties vary depending on the severity of the offense, the minor's age, and criminal history. Here are some common penalties for juvenile offenses:

• Informal probation: This is the most common penalty for minor offenses. The minor is released to the custody of their parents or legal guardians and must meet with a probation officer regularly.
• Community service: The minor may be required to perform a certain number of hours of community service, such as picking up trash or volunteering at a nonprofit organization.
• Restitution: If the minor caused damage or harm to someone else, they may be required to pay restitution to the victim.
• Juvenile hall or other secure facility: The minor may be sentenced to a juvenile detention center or other secure facility for more serious offenses. The length of the stay depends on the offense and the minor's behavior while in custody.
• Counseling or therapy: The minor may be required to attend counseling or therapy sessions to address underlying issues that contributed to their behavior.
• Probation camp: This is a longer-term program that involves living in a structured environment and receiving counseling and other services.
• Incarceration in a youth prison: For the most serious offenses, the minor may be sentenced to a youth prison, where they will remain until they turn 25 or complete their sentence, whichever comes first.