Los Banos Juvenile Defense Attorney
When a young person is accused of a crime or is being investigated, it is a painful, stressful time for everyone in the family, including the juvenile, the parents, the siblings, and the grandparents. There is the fear that the police, prosecutors, and judges will not treat the young person as the child that he or she is, a child that has simply used youthful poor judgment and made a mistake.
Although the juvenile court system was originally created to rehabilitate and not punish youthful offenders, the harsh laws that have recently been enacted have diminished that mission statement. In California, minors as young as twelve can be detained and interrogated by police without a parent or attorney present, which can lead to coerced or misunderstood confessions.
The Impact of Juvenile Convictions
The “Three Strikes Law” has been held to apply to juvenile convictions or adjudications. Therefore, your child needs an advocate and a guide through this system to prevent their adult lives from being adversely affected. Some juvenile crimes are treated more harshly than if the crime had been committed by an adult. Furthermore, certain crimes, such as serious violent felonies, can result in a minor being charged as an adult.
This is why it is essential to have a skilled Los Banos juvenile defense attorney advocating for your child. Without experienced legal representation, your child’s future could be irreparably harmed.
Entrapment and Law Enforcement Tactics
Law enforcement frequently uses aggressive tactics to catch juveniles in criminal activity. Police officers often go undercover in schools, targeting insecure students and pressuring them into committing crimes such as the sale of marijuana or other drugs. Many minors are unaware of their rights and may incriminate themselves without understanding the long-term consequences. A dedicated Los Banos juvenile defense lawyer can challenge these tactics and ensure that your child is treated fairly under the law.
Protecting the Rights and Freedom of Children
At The Law Offices of Shawn M. George we protect the rights and freedom of young people, negotiating with the appropriate authorities to try to prevent the child from being treated as an adult. If necessary, we then represent the child in juvenile court, where a juvenile can still be held in custody until they reach adulthood.
At every stage of a juvenile case, we aggressively, compassionately represent our young clients; applying our experience to find creative ways to solve problems. We go beyond just handling the case—we work with families to ensure that the juvenile is on the right path. Courts take academic performance and attendance into consideration, so we help our clients address these areas before they become obstacles in their cases.
When appropriate, we bring in counselors and other professionals to assess our clients and determine if underlying issues contribute to their behavior. Presenting rehabilitation options is a key strategy in avoiding incarceration and securing the best possible outcome. Additionally, our extensive background in criminal defense allows us to leverage previous case experience to mitigate sentencing.
Listening to Our Young Clients
At The Law Offices of Shawn M. George, we believe that one of the most important aspects of juvenile defense is listening. Many young people feel unheard, especially when dealing with legal matters. With years of experience working with juveniles, we understand how to connect with them and ensure they feel supported throughout the legal process
Parents and grandparents play a critical role in these cases. We work closely with families to understand the dynamics at play and ensure that every client receives a defense strategy tailored to their unique circumstances. Our goal is to differentiate your child from the others in juvenile court, giving them the best chance at a positive outcome.
Cases a Los Banos Juvenile Defense Lawyer Handles
At The Law Offices of Shawn M. George, our experienced Los Banos juvenile crimes lawyer can handle a variety of juvenile offenses, including:
- Assault and Battery
- Violent Crimes
- Drug Use
- Drug Sales and Trafficking
- Sexual Misconduct
- Theft and Shoplifting
- Vandalism
- DUI/DWI and Traffic Violations
- Sealing of Juvenile Record
Juvenile crimes in California vary in severity, with some offenses leading to informal probation while others result in more serious consequences such as detention or being tried as an adult. A knowledgeable Los Banos juvenile defense attorney can assess the specific charges against your child and develop a defense strategy tailored to their unique situation.
The Importance of Sealing Juvenile Records
A juvenile record can follow a person into adulthood, affecting opportunities for education, employment, and housing. Fortunately, California law allows for the sealing of juvenile records in many cases. However, this process is not automatic, and it requires legal action to ensure that a past mistake does not define a young person’s future.
Los Banos Juvenile Defense Attorney Immediately
If a young person in your family has been charged with or is being investigated for a juvenile crime, please contact us. It is critical that your young loved one get help from an attorney immediately. We will be honest with you about the strengths and weaknesses of your case and help develop a strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for you.
We understand how stressful this time is, and we are committed to working with you to develop a payment plan that fits your situation.
Don’t wait—protect your child’s future by consulting with a knowledgeable Los Banos juvenile defense attorney today.