In some situations, juveniles are treated as adults by the court system, but for the most part, juvenile criminal cases are handled separately from adult cases. It is extremely important to keep these cases in juvenile court if possible.
In some ways, juvenile court operates similarly to adult court, but there are also significant differences. Juvenile court can be more restrictive than adult court -- for example, people detained in juvenile hall do not have a right to bail. However, juvenile court can be more flexible as well – the court takes factors like schooling and social adjustment into account when evaluating a case. This global approach in juvenile court makes room for more creative resolution of cases.
Because there are distinct differences in the way juvenile and adult criminal cases are handled, you should be sure that your attorney has expertise and experience in juvenile court before retaining him or her.
Our lawyers have handled hundreds of juvenile cases throughout the years, and we are familiar with all the juvenile courts in the Bay Area. We realize that juveniles are often dependent on their immediate and extended families and we work together with the client and his or her family when defending a case. Obtaining a resolution which fits the best interests of our client is our number one priority.
Free Initial Consultation: Contact a northern California juvenile law attorney at Bonjour, Thorman, Baray & Billingsley. Se habla Español.
