Juvenile Law
Right to an Juvenile Defense Attorney - Juvenile Defendants have the right to an attorney throughout legal proceedings. The court will appoint an attorney for the defendant at no charge if he/she cannot afford to hire one. Yet, at the end of the case, they may be asked to pay all or part of the cost for that attorney, if he/she can afford to. Juvenile law Lawyer in Los Angeles
Right to Confront Witnesses - Defendants have the right to confront and cross-examine all witnesses testifying against them.
Right Against Self-Incrimination - The Juvenile defendant has the right to remain silent, to prevent self-incrimmination, and the right to testify on their own behalf.
Right to Produce Evidence - The juvenile defendant has the right to present evidence and to have the court issue a subpoena to bring into court all witnesses and evidence favorable to them, at no cost to them.
- Juvenile crimes such as rape, murder and assault can be considered adult crimes
- Allowing a juvenile who committed a serious crime to serve a lesser sentence because of their age is harmful to society and the victims
- Their records are public knowledge
- The Juvenile will receive harsher sentences
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. Children as young as twelve are now being detained by the police and questioned without their parents or an attorney present.
For less serious offenses and first time juvenile offenders, the Los Angeles Probation Department will require the minor to complete a diversion program. If the minor successfully completes the diversion program, then the case is not forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for criminal charges. If, however, the minor has prior history or is not otherwise fit for a diversion program, the Probation Department forwards an Application for Petition to the District Attorney's Office in Los Angeles for filing of juvenile criminal charges against the minor. Like adult cases, the District Attorney's Office files cases that can be proved with admissible evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. Even when the evidence is sufficient, the District Attorney has the option to return the case to the Los Angeles probation department for informal supervision. Under informal supervision, minors and juveniles are required to exhibit good behavior for a period of approximately 6 months and a restriction of activities and community service may be imposed.
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