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3 Key Facts About The State Of California’s Juvenile Justice System
The state of California’s juvenile justice system is very complex. But, by being aware of three key facts regarding California’s juvenile justice system and speaking with a California juvenile criminal defense lawyer, obtaining the best possible legal outcome for your child is much easier.
3 Key Facts About The State Of California’s Juvenile Justice System
Fact 01: 2 Primary Types Of Delinquent Acts Exist
Right before we go over the two primary types of delinquent acts that exist, we must first define what, exactly, a delinquent act is. And with that in mind, a delinquent act is a crime that is committed by a juvenile.
The first primary type of delinquent act is as follows: a crime that would be tried in adult court and deemed a crime if an adult had committed it.
Just as an example, if a juvenile beats up an individual, then they have committed a delinquent act that, if tried in adult court, would be considered assault.
The second primary type of delinquent act is as follows: a status offense which, if committed by an adult, would not be considered a crime.
One example of a status offense is violating curfew; if a juvenile is found to have violated their curfew, then it is possible that they could be charged with that offense.
Fact 02: A Juvenile Can Be Tried As An Adult
Even though a juvenile is, by definition, under the age of eighteen and, as such, a minor, it is possible for a juvenile to be tried as an adult. But, this is only if a juvenile commits a serious crime that warrants being tried as an adult.
Some examples of the offenses that can, and often will, lead to a juvenile being tried as an adult in California are as follows:
- Sexual assault.
- Murder.
- Kidnapping.
- Aggravated mayhem.
- Carjacking.
Other offenses can and will lead to a juvenile being tried as an adult. But the above are just some examples.
Outside of the facts outlined above, it is also worth noting that, even if a juvenile commits these offenses, if they are under the age of sixteen, then they cannot be tried as an adult.
If, however, a juvenile is apprehended for one of those crimes after they turn eighteen, then they can be tried as an adult and, in turn, receive an adult sentence.
Fact 03: Every Juvenile Needs A Lawyer
Even if a juvenile is arrested for a relatively minor crime, they still need a lawyer. The main reason they need a lawyer is as follows: the juvenile criminal justice system is complex, and obtaining a good outcome is not easy.
Rather than allowing a less-than-ideal legal outcome to arise, a lawyer will ensure that, within the confines of the case, the accused juvenile will obtain the best outcome.
Just as an example, with the assistance of a lawyer, a juvenile may be sentenced to probation, as opposed to a sentence at a juvenile justice facility.
A failure to work with a lawyer makes a less-than-ideal sentence far more likely. But, working with a lawyer ensures that the best possible legal outcome will be obtained.
Speak With An Orange County Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer
Going through California’s juvenile criminal justice system is not easy. Speak with an Orange County juvenile criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Katie Walsh today, and we will assist you and your child in obtaining the best possible outcome.