As a juvenile facing disciplinary actions at school, it is essential to understand the legal implications involved and how you can protect your rights. The intersection of school discipline and juvenile law can be complex, but with the right legal representation, you can navigate this challenging situation. The Law Office of Katie Walsh is here…
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Being charged with a drug offense as a juvenile can have serious consequences that can significantly impact your future prospects. It is important to understand the potential long-term effects a drug conviction can have on your professional and educational opportunities. The Law Office of Katie Walsh is dedicated to helping juveniles facing criminal charges in…
Continue reading ›If your child is facing criminal charges, you may understandably be overwhelmed, frightened and unsure where to turn. While juvenile court cases share many similarities with adult cases, you should be aware there are some distinct differences. Knowing how to handle the ins and outs of juvenile court can significantly impact the outcome of your…
Continue reading ›Concerned that the minds of young people are not yet fully developed, many in the juvenile justice system are advocating for laws that would emphasize reform rather than punishment. California juvenile felony sentencing is one of the areas that youth advocates are focusing on, particularly in terms of the potential for developing career criminals. Three…
Continue reading ›When a juvenile is convicted of a crime in California, even minimum sentences can often be increased by sentencing enhancements. A recent bill introduced by a state senator would change that to some degree. Senate Bill 81 will affect California sentencing enhancements for juveniles and adults alike. Tough on Crime Era Many of the sentencing…
Continue reading ›A critical piece of legislation that should drastically improve accountability of a state grant targeted toward juvenile justice crime prevention has won broad support in its first legislative committee. Senate Bill 493, the PROMYSE Act, has passed the Senate Public Safety Committee and now moves on to the Senate Appropriations Committee for review and approval.…
Continue reading ›Over two years ago, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) began an investigation into the conditions of confinement at two juvenile halls. Based on the results of that investigation, a settlement has been reached that will improve the conditions and education services in Los Angeles County’s juvenile halls. The groundbreaking settlements seek to protect youth…
Continue reading ›A bill was introduced at the California state Capitol in January 2020 in hopes of changing the way young people were treated in the state’s justice system. Senate Bill 889 was introduced in an effort to have all people under 21 to be tried as minors. There were a number of arguments for and against…
Continue reading ›This year has been exceedingly challenging for students in California owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. School closures and financial hardships have created a climate of despair for millions of young people. Mental health services are needed now more than ever in order to prevent school suspensions and expulsions. Mental illness often plays a role in…
Continue reading ›Last month, we continued our coverage of salient topics relating to criminal and juvenile justice in California. We covered the newly created Department of Youth and Community Restoration (YCR). Under the California Health and Human Services Agency, the YCR will replace the Division of Juvenile Justice. The YCR: “Shall embrace a vision wherein the youth…
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