Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Long Beach, California

Juvenile crimes refer to serious offenses committed by individuals under 18 years of age, which would be considered chargeable crimes if they were committed by someone over 18. In California, juvenile charges typically focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, but they can still significantly affect a minor’s employment and educational opportunities. 

If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime in California, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for compassionate assistance today. At Jill Nunley Law, P.C., we are devoted to providing compassionate legal representation to help you defend against these charges and advocate for your child’s future. 

Located in Long Beach, California, we serve clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and explore your child's options.

California Laws Governing Juvenile Crimes 

In California, a juvenile crime is defined as the commission of a specific act prohibited by law and committed by an individual between the ages of 12 and 18. Under California law, individuals under 12 years of age typically cannot be charged with serious crimes.  

According to the California Legislature Analyst's Office, juveniles should be treated differently from adults following the commission of a criminal act. Therefore, California has separate courts, detention facilities, rules, procedures, and laws that are designed to protect the well-being of a charged or convicted juvenile and to rehabilitate them rather than punish them. 

Under California law, the type of crime committed by a minor will typically fall under one of two categories: 

• Delinquency offenses: These include shoplifting, drug crimes, theft, vandalism, assault, trespassing, and disorderly conduct, which are typically treated as criminal offenses regardless of a person’s age. 

• Status offenses: These include offenses such as underage drinking, underage possession of marijuana, truancy, and curfew violations. These offenses are typically linked to the offender's status as a minor. 

The penalties for juvenile crimes are designed to promote rehabilitation, not necessarily long-term punishment. Often, juvenile crimes result in community service, fines, probation, or counseling; however, serious offenses may lead to jail time in a juvenile detention center or at-home detention. 

If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime in California, reach out to us at Jill Nunley Law, P.C. for compassionate legal guidance. We can help you understand the charges and build a defense to mitigate their impact on your child’s future.  

Our Juvenile Criminal Defense Services 

At Jill Nunley Law, P.C., we are devoted to helping you defend against juvenile charges for your child and advocating for the best options for their future. We understand that mistakes happen, and we will take the time to explore what happened and identify the best options for moving forward. The primary services we offer for juvenile criminal defense include the following: 

• Vandalism and graffiti charges: We can help your child defend against property damage crimes, including vandalism, graffiti, or other damage. 

• Petty theft and shoplifting charges: We offer defense services for charges including theft or stolen goods. 

• Underage drug or drinking charges: We offer representation for charges involving underage possession of drugs, including marijuana, and underage drinking, including underage DUI. 

• Assault and battery charges: We provide defense for juvenile charges for assault, battery, and other violent crimes. 

• Truancy charges: We can help your child defend against charges of deliberate or willful unexcused absences from school. 

At Jill Nunley Law, P.C., we have the knowledge, resources, and experience to help you and your child defend against a juvenile criminal charge and advocate for alternative sentencing and programs where appropriate. Call today to schedule a free consultation. 

How Our Firm Can Help 

Being charged with a juvenile crime is a serious offense, but the legal system is designed to encourage corrective action. Our attorney is dedicated to providing compassionate assistance to help your child understand the severity of their actions and take measures to deter future offenses. 

• Detailed case evaluation: We take the time to listen to what happened and to review the details of your case to develop tailored defense strategies. 

• Challenging evidence: A charge doesn’t necessarily mean a conviction. We will look at the evidence surrounding the charge and look for opportunities, such as alibis, lack of probable cause, or mishandling of evidence, that could help weaken the charges against your child. 

• Advocating for diversion & alternative sentencing: Where appropriate, we will advocate for settlements and solutions that avoid conviction, such as community service or counseling programs focused on rehabilitation. 

• Hearing representation: We will represent your child in the courtroom and at all administrative and procedural hearings to ensure their rights are protected and upheld throughout their case. 

Contact Our Experienced Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney in California Today 

If your child has been charged with a crime in California, contact an experienced attorney. While the criminal justice system for juveniles is focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, taking immediate action can improve the strength of your defense. 

At Jill Nunley Law, P.C., we are devoted to helping juveniles overcome legal mistakes and take steps to promote improved behavior. Located in Long Beach, California, we serve clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to protect your child's rights.