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Are There Alternatives to Jail for My Child’s Juvenile Offense?

Orange County Juvenile Court Attorney

At the Law Offices of Katie Walsh, parents often ask if there are alternatives to jail when their child is charged with a juvenile crime. The answer depends on the situation, but yes, there are alternative sentencing options and youth programs that may be considered by a judge.

Everyone makes bad decisions sometimes, especially while they are young. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, “In key ways, the brain doesn’t look like that of an adult until the early 20s.” As a former prosecutor and defense attorney who has represented thousands of juvenile defendants, Katie Walsh has dedicated her practice to minors facing criminal charges—so an instance of poor judgment does not mar an otherwise-bright future. With the help of Katie and her team of legal experts, your child or loved one may avoid Juvenile Hall or the California Youth Authority by completing service hours or enrolling in other programs.

Orange County Jail Alternatives for Adolescents

  • Community Service: The probation department may authorize a child to complete community service hours at a non-profit organization. Minors participating in community service cannot receive any type of payment or compensation for their service. Proof of hours must be documented. Examples of non-profit organizations include schools, hospitals, shelters, senior centers, the American Red Cross, March of Dimes, Police Activity League (PAL), American Cancer Society or Boys & Girls Club.
  • Legal Awareness Programs: In lieu of jail time, the court may order some children to participate in a Legal Awareness Program. Programs are available through:
    • Shortstop – 714.480.1925
    • CSP Parents, Youth and Law Program – 949.975.1046
    • Orange County Youth and Family Services – 714.543.8468
    • Kids “N” Crime – 714.554.8613
    • NTSI – 800.732.2233
  • Anger Management: Participants must present a copy of their certificate as proof of completion. Programs are available through:
    • CSP – 949.975.1046
    • Straight Talk – 714.828.2000
    • Orange County Youth & Family Services – 714.543.8468
    • Turning Point – 714.547.8111
  • Drug & Alcohol Education & Programs: There are numerous inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities that may be considered in lieu of jail time. Ask the Law Offices of Katie Walsh for help.

Contact Our OC Juvenile Attorney for a Free Consultation

Partnering with an experienced attorney who knows the juvenile legal system gives your teen the best chance of avoiding Juvenile Hall. As a former prosecutor familiar with the OC adult and juvenile justice systems, Katie Walsh provides your child with a rigorous defense while acting as a compassionate advocate for your family. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today: (714) 351-0178.

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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