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While criminal charges may be intimidating to anyone facing them, they can be overwhelming for a defendant who is a juvenile. While it is crucial to ensure that every defendant’s rights are protected and asserted throughout the criminal defense process, advocating effectively for a juvenile’s rights requires a thorough and dedicated approach to criminal defense.

If you or someone that you love is facing juvenile criminal charges, a San Leandro juvenile defense lawyer could play an essential role in navigating the legal processes to come. As an experienced defense attorney could explain, juvenile crimes may include forgery, assault, theft, graffiti, vandalism, and many other offenses, they could even include more serious crimes like aggravated assault or murder, so it may be critical that you understand exactly what you are facing and take action accordingly. En Español.

The Juvenile Justice System

The juvenile justice system in California is far different from its adult counterpart. The goal of the juvenile justice system is to prevent juvenile delinquency and to provide opportunities for juveniles facing criminal charges to rise above those charges. As such, there are often alternative sentencing options available for some juvenile defendants, which may include community service or enrollment in a diversion program to help prevent recurring criminal acts.

It should be noted that in some circumstances, juveniles may be tried as an adult. These instances usually involve serious crimes, and a conviction, when tried as an adult, will likely carry severe consequences similar to what an actual adult facing the same charges would face.

California Welfare & Institutions Code §707(b) lists specific crimes a minor may be tried as an adult for if rehabilitation through the juvenile court system is deemed inappropriate. An experienced San Leandro juvenile defense attorney could help you understand more about the legal process you are facing and possible outcomes that could apply to you depending on the nature of your case.

Sealing and Expungement

Having a record sealed or expunged is often part of the media’s take on juvenile crime. Unlike many inaccuracies in the media’s portrayal of the legal system, having a record sealed or expunged could actually be a real possibility for certain youth offenders.

Typically, a court will seal a juvenile’s record once the individual defendant has reached a certain age, usually 18. That means that while the record still exists, it is not accessible to members of the general public without a court order. Furthermore, you may not be required to report offenses on your juvenile record for employment or educational purposes.

Having a record expunged generally involves making a formal request to a court to do so, a process with which a juvenile defense lawyer in San Leandro could provide assistance. Depending on the circumstances of the conviction in question, the offenses on your juvenile record would be dismissed if a court grants you an expungement.

Facing Charges with Help from a San Leandro Juvenile Defense Attorney

Juvenile criminal convictions could have a lasting impact on a child’s life, but the way those charges are approached and handled might make a big difference in just what those consequences entail. Working with a criminal defense attorney at the early stages of a case may be crucial to ensuring you can develop a thorough defense to the charges you are facing.

If you or someone you love are facing juvenile criminal charges, there is help available to you. Call today to learn more about how a dedicated San Leandro juvenile defense lawyer could work with you to explore the options that might be available to you in your defense.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving the Bay Area

The Nieves Law Firm is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense representation to working professionals who have found themselves in trouble with the law. We show up to win, and we’re not afraid to fight aggressively to accomplish our client’s goals.

We understand that being accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. That’s why we take the stress off our clients by handling the full scope of their legal situation from the initial consultation to the final outcome. Our bilingual attorneys and staff are here to ensure that our clients feel heard and understood every step of the way.

As one of the largest criminal defense teams in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our experienced team examines various aspects of your case and, perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients and their future. We take the time to learn about their goals and priorities so that we can achieve an outcome that allows them to move past their mistakes and focus on the future they want. When you work with us, you become part of our team.

Our Team

Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. With a deep understanding of the legal system and a track record of successful cases, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.

Meet Our Team

Our Criminal Defense Attorneys: How to Take Back Control of Your Life, And Your Future.

When facing a criminal charge, having dedicated and experienced attorneys on your side is critical. At The Nieves Law Firm, we understand the gravity of your situation, and our criminal defense attorneys provide unwavering support and legal guidance.

From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and legal interests. Our criminal lawyers are with you every step of the way, from arrest to hearings and beyond, to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you’re facing charges related to DUI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes or any other allegation, we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to fight vigorously on your behalf.

We believe in the power of collaboration and will actively involve you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the best choices for your defense. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal complexities but also to provide you with the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve during this challenging time.

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