Juvenile Offenses
Tustin Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Defending Against Juvenile Offenses in Southern California
Having your child detained by the police for committing a criminal offense, is a terrible feeling. You may experience emotions ranging from fear for your child’s safety to feelings of guilt for having not been a “good parent.” Apart from the emotional upheaval, you have a multitude of questions regarding the juvenile criminal justice system.
If your child has been arrested or charged with a crime, the most important thing you can do for yourself and for your child is to immediately seek the assistance of an experienced defense attorney to represent your child.
Contact us today online or at (714) 824-4473 request your free initial consultation!
Understanding California's Juvenile Justice System
In California, the juvenile justice system differs from the adult justice system in a number of ways. The seriousness of the offense determines whether or not the police elect to place your child in custody and refer the case to juvenile court. The officer may address minor offenses by detaining your child, warning against further violations, and releasing him or her to your custody. In this case, a juvenile attorney may not be necessary.
If the offense is serious enough for referral to a juvenile court, a juvenile court intake officer will decide whether to:
- dismiss the juvenile offense;
- handle the juvenile offense informally; or
- file a formal petition detailing the allegations against your child.
Seeking Informal Resolutions for Juvenile Cases
- a stern lecture;
- mandatory counseling;
- mandatory community service;
- payment of restitution to a property owner; and/or
- probation.
Navigating Formal Juvenile Charges in California
Within the state, when a juvenile criminal offense is serious enough to warrant a formal petition, the child is formally charged before a juvenile court judge or a referee; consequently, it is imperative that your child be represented by an experienced defense attorney,
The Process
- After a formal petition is filed, the juvenile court will decide whether to take jurisdiction of the case or schedule a “fitness hearing” in which the prosecutor argues that the facts and circumstances warrant trying your child as an adult. The court will make this decision based on the seriousness of the crime and your child’s personal characteristics.
- We will argue strenuously that the case should be kept in juvenile court. If the case is kept in juvenile court, your child may enter into a plea agreement by pleading guilty in exchange for reduced charges.
- If no plea agreement is offered or reached, the case may be scheduled for “adjudication” (a juvenile trial). If the matter proceeds to adjudication, the juvenile judge may “sustain the petition” (convict your child of the offense).
- After conviction, the juvenile judge will determine the “disposition” (the equivalent of sentencing in adult court). A disposition in juvenile court might include anything from:
- periodic monitoring by the court;
- placement in a juvenile group home; to
- placement in the juvenile division of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
Don't wait to get former prosecutors on your side. You can reach us 24/7 online or at (714) 824-4473.
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Experienced Attorneys
With decades of experience, you owe it to yourself to get the best defense.
A Aghili2024-04-22Josh Visco is a caring human and a great lawyer. I have been represented by Mr. Visco a few times and he is an exemplary professional with a vast knowledge of the law. Above all that, he treats clients like family which I really appreciate. I highly recommend this law office.Christian Alvarez2023-08-24Highly recommend! Mr. Visco helped me immensely on my case, for sure will recommend to anyone who needs the help!Abraham Zamora2023-05-02Just had the opportunity of working with Josh. He was direct and honest and a pleasure to work with. Thank you.H2023-04-09I couldn’t be happier with the representation I received from Visco & Selyum. Thank you Michael for going above and beyond to make what would otherwise be a nightmare into a very pleasant experience.Nazareth Martinez2023-04-05Mr. Visco was extremely helpful over the phone and answered all my questions. Thank you so much for the peace of mind!daniela blagojevic2023-04-04Attorney Michael Selyem is someone I recommend without hesitation. He has so much knowledge because of his experience as a police officer, a prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer. He literally knew what the other side was going to do before they even did it. On my case, he successfully got my DUI case dismissed in exchange for a plea to an infraction. His actions in the court room saved my freedom, my job and my professional license. Mr. Selyem took the time to listen to me and my concerns. He always made sure I understood what was going on throughout the entire process. Any time I called or text him he responded immediately. I would recommend Mr. Selyem to my family and friends any time!Jesse Gonzalez2023-04-03Joshua Vasco helped a relative of mine through a very dark and troubling experience and provided guidance, knowledge, and reassurance throughout the entire process. Mr. Vasco explained the process we were going through and answered all the questions we ever asked him. Having worked in the district attorney's office in San Bernardino County, it is obvious Mr. Vasco knows his way around the San Bernardino Courthouse as well is familiar with the players involved. Joshua's level of professionalism, kindness, and competence is off the charts and is someone I would rely on if I ever find myself in need of awesome legal representation. A call to Josh would be an absolute no-brainer for me for any legal need! Josh is the real Deal! Thank you, Mr. Vasco!!Shane HardWood2023-04-02Mr. Selyem responded quickly and professionally. Choosing him was a no brained based on his experience in law enforcement and his experience in the courtroom. He completely saved my bacon! I couldn’t be happier!Lane Owens2023-04-01My name is Lane Owens and Michael Selyem represented me recently when I was charged with a murder that I was not involved in, as well as several other cases with a maximum exposure of life in prison plus 20 more years. Thanks to his extensive knowledge of the law and his experience in trial he was able to get the murder charge dismissed by a 99.5 motion as well as time served for the remaining cases, with no probation or parole. Michael literally saved my life and as far as I'm concerned he is the best attorney out there.Roy2023-03-29Man..hands down Josh Visco is an amazing attorney. He was very straightforward person with no BS meter. I definitely would recommend him to my friend ls and family