The Importance of Legal Representation in Juvenile Cases

Law Office of Katie Walsh

Juvenile criminal cases involving delinquency, truancy, and child protection demand a thorough understanding of not only the juvenile justice system. There are also unique emotional and psychological aspects to consider. The bottom line is that, without top-notch legal representation, juveniles are at a disadvantage. For a steadfast, vigorous defense, contact Orange County juvenile crime lawyer Katie Walsh.

Understanding the Rights of Youth in Juvenile Cases

The right to counsel is recognized as a fundamental constitutional right in delinquency cases. However, many young people may not fully understand or exercise this right. If a minor does not have a lawyer, the judge must appoint one for them. Interrogations of juveniles under age 16 must provide an opportunity to consult with their Orange County juvenile lawyer before waiving Miranda rights. On the other hand, minors aged 16 and 17 must explicitly ask for an attorney during questioning. The police will take advantage of that at every opportunity. 

The Role of an Attorney in Juvenile Cases

A lawyer who focuses solely on juvenile crime cases, like Katie Walsh, should have a deep understanding of the unique rules and procedures that apply in juvenile cases. By providing personalized support and advocacy, an attorney ensures that the rights and interests of young offenders are protected throughout the legal process. In juvenile cases, court-appointed attorneys are available. 

Guidance and Support for Young Offenders

An Orange County juvenile crime attorney has the resources and network to seek out experts in areas such as mental health, education, and rehabilitation. We can work closely with these professionals to build a strong defense strategy and present the best possible case for your child. Additionally, our job as your attorney is to ensure that young offenders are aware of their rights and the sometimes unexpected consequences of talking to law enforcement or probation officers without our presence and guidance.

Keeping Juvenile Crime in Check

Juvenile crime rates, particularly in Orange County, California, are too high, with juveniles being routinely involved in serious crimes like shootings, assaults, gang activity, carjackings, and grand theft auto. Given the severity of these crimes, having a lawyer to help you navigate the juvenile justice system is crucial. Orange County juvenile crime lawyers like the Law Office of Katie Walsh understand the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction in juvenile court. We work tirelessly to mitigate these outcomes through negotiation and alternative sentencing options. When your child’s future is on the line, hiring the best possible legal representation is a small investment to make.

Contact an Orange County Juvenile Crime Lawyer

The Law Office of Katie Walsh is committed to providing savvy and compassionate legal services to young people and their families. If your child has been arrested for a juvenile crime in Orange County, you’ll want the right legal advocate by your side.  When you need the best Orange County juvenile crime lawyer, contact the Law Office of Katie Walsh for a free legal consultation and case review.

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Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable...

RG

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal...

RS

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though...

XL, juvenile client
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