Juvenile Defense Attorney in Ventura

Charged with a crime as a minor?

California’s juvenile justice system is focused on rehabilitation and public safety rather than punishment. In fact, according to California’s non-partisan Legislative Analysis Office, only 25 out of 1,000 contacts between juveniles and police end in formal charges being filed. When these charges are filed you need an experienced criminal attorney like Mr. Welch to help you navigate this complex system.

Which court tries juvenile crimes?

California Juvenile Delinquency Courts are far preferable to trial as an adult. Often, juvenile matters result in probation, or in the worst case, detention at a juvenile facility. Juvenile trials are not held before a jury and the judge has a great degree of discretion. Mr. Welch helps his clients prepare to put their best foot forward and create the best impression possible in the short window of time the client has.

These juvenile delinquency proceedings are governed by Welfare and Institutions Code section 602. For less serious offenses, those under age 18 go through juvenile proceedings rather than being tried as adults. What matters is the age of the alleged perpetrator at the time the crime is committed, rather than their age at trial. However, more serious offenses may result in trial as an adult. Trial as an adult exposes a person to almost all of the same consequences as an adult. There are a few exceptions due to federal and California Supreme Court cases, including the decision that a juvenile offender cannot receive the death penalty for even the most serious crimes. However, trial as an adult is still highly unfavorable.

Work with an experienced criminal lawyer in Ventura!

Mr. Welch has extensive experience in helping juvenile offenders to avoid the harsh decision to be tried as an adult. In fact, when Mr. Welch faced the challenge of defending an alleged member of the Colonia Chique who was accused of robbery at gunpoint, he was able to not only avoid trial as an adult, but to also have the charges dismissed entirely.

Mr. Welch will help you or your loved one to put together a trial strategy that will result in the best possible outcome. He will evaluate your case for free and well explain your best options.

Give our Ventura criminal defense lawyer a call today for counsel.