Articles Posted in juvenile defense

When Can Children Be Charged as Adults?
Law Office of Katie Walsh

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…

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Understanding Diversion Programs: Keeping Your Teen Out of Court
Law Office of Katie Walsh

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…

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Expungement Options for Your Child’s Juvenile Record
Law Office of Katie Walsh

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…

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Defending Against Bullying-Related Criminal Charges in Schools
Law Office of Katie Walsh

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…

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Digital Evidence and Your Teen: Navigating Phone Searches in Criminal Cases
Law Office of Katie Walsh

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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Understanding Search and Seizure Rights for Minors at School
Law Office of Katie Walsh

Your child’s privacy isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a matter of trust and dignity. Imagine their belongings being searched at school without warning or explanation. They might feel humiliated, singled out, or even fearful. As a parent, you want answers—and accountability. Schools may have authority, but that authority isn’t unlimited. At Katie Walsh Law, we’re…

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Diversion Programs vs. Traditional Court: Options for First-Time Juvenile Offenders
Law Office of Katie Walsh

Diversion programs offer an alternative to the traditional juvenile court process, focusing even more on rehabilitation than other juvenile crime penalties. In contrast, traditional juvenile court proceedings do lead to harsher consequences, like being sentenced to a juvenile detention facility or probation. To further explore Orange County’s diversion program options, don’t hesitate to reach out…

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Parent’s Guide to Juvenile Detention Hearings in Orange County
Law Office of Katie Walsh

Newsweek reported in September 2024 that there has been an increase in young people accused of crimes (1). As a parent, finding out that your child is facing a juvenile detention hearing in Orange County can be an incredibly challenging and emotional experience, but know that you are not alone. As an Orange County juvenile…

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Probation Requirements for Juvenile Offenders
Law Office of Katie Walsh

The Orange County juvenile justice system approaches probation requirements for young offenders with empathy and efficiency for the most part. If you have specific questions pertaining to your child’s unique situation, you have nothing to lose by reaching out to an Orange County juvenile defense attorney, like the Law Office of Katie Walsh. Our team…

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How School Disciplinary Actions Can Affect Your Teen’s Legal Rights
Law Office of Katie Walsh

Disciplinary actions at school can seriously impact your child’s academic future, but it can also have legal implications that affect their rights. Parents need to understand the potential consequences and talking to an Orange County juvenile defense attorney is a great place to start. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, our caring, knowledgeable legal…

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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 after he catches up with his classes. The...

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 expungement was not automatic, she was...

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 would be Ok- and it was. The judge...

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 case will get completely dismissed and...

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 released from custody with credit for time...

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 back home with us at the detention...

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 very comfortable during this process. As...

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 police were giving us the run-around and not...

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 hearing, she was able to get my record...

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 dismissed! I would recommend Ms. Walsh if...

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 speaking with her. She was always available to...

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 under penal code 786, it means his...

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 and made feel like I was her most...

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 to get my son Community Service and a...

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 be able to help us. Those words couldn't...

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 dismissed, and I only served 30 days in...

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, she was very accessible and easy to get a...

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 source of information. She prepared me...

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 awareness class, returned in 6 months and...

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 entirely! Ms. Walsh was available to us...

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 listened to us, guided us through the...

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 probation said this would take...

XL, juvenile client

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