As someone who is facing the prospect of your child being charged with a crime, it can be an incredibly difficult and confusing time. The thought of your child being considered an adult in the eyes of the law is a daunting one, with potential serious consequences. Understanding when children can be charged as adults…
Continue reading ›Orange County Juvenile Defense Blog
- Understanding Diversion Programs: Keeping Your Teen Out of Court
- Expungement Options for Your Child’s Juvenile Record
- Your Teen’s Rights During Police Questioning: A Parent’s Perspective
- Defending Against Bullying-Related Criminal Charges in Schools
- Digital Evidence and Your Teen: Navigating Phone Searches in Criminal Cases
When a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is pulled into the juvenile justice system, their education plan becomes more than a school document—it becomes part of their legal defense. About 30-60% youth in delinquency proceedings have disabilities like ADHD, autism, or learning disorders. Yet, too often, their needs are either ignored or punished.…
Continue reading ›Social media has become a routine part of life for teenagers. But in juvenile court, it’s often used against them. Prosecutors may pull posts, photos, comments, or even private messages to argue intent, character, or involvement in a crime. A post made in seconds can follow a child into a courtroom, where context is rarely…
Continue reading ›Police questioning isn’t always straightforward—especially for teens. Officers use tactics designed to secure confessions, and teens may unknowingly waive rights or give statements that seem harmless. Suddenly, innocent words can become damaging evidence. As a parent, you should understand how easily your teen’s statements can be misinterpreted. Knowing Miranda Rights helps you intervene effectively. Your…
Continue reading ›Discovering that your child has been accused of theft can be a deeply unsettling experience. As a parent, you may feel a mix of emotions—shock, confusion, anger, and even guilt. However, you must approach the situation calmly and methodically. Juvenile theft accusations can have serious consequences, but with the right legal guidance and support, you…
Continue reading ›When teenagers make mistakes, it can feel like the world is crashing down—especially if the legal system gets involved. But not every case has to end in a courtroom. Juvenile diversion programs offer young people an opportunity to learn from their actions without facing lifelong consequences. These programs focus on growth, accountability, and giving teens…
Continue reading ›A juvenile record can cast a long shadow over your child’s future, far beyond their teenage years. It can impact their ability to access higher education, secure meaningful employment, and even find housing. While mistakes made during youth shouldn’t define a lifetime, the consequences of a criminal record often feel inescapable. Fortunately, expungement provides a…
Continue reading ›Teenagers are particularly vulnerable during interactions with law enforcement. They lack the life experience and confidence to handle high-pressure situations. Without guidance, they may unknowingly waive their rights or incriminate themselves during police questioning. A simple misstep—like answering a question without legal representation—can result in long-term consequences, including criminal charges, a record, or juvenile detention.…
Continue reading ›Bullying is a serious issue, but not every accusation tells the whole story. Kids make mistakes, act impulsively, or get caught up in situations they don’t fully understand. It’s easy for schools and prosecutors to paint a one-sided picture, but your child’s story deserves to be heard. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, we…
Continue reading ›Your teen’s phone likely holds their entire world—memories, conversations, and connections. But what happens when that phone becomes evidence in a criminal case? Suddenly, private texts, photos, and social media posts are scrutinized and used in ways you never imagined. It’s a situation no parent wants to face, but knowing your rights and taking action…
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