Los Angeles Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Young people make mistakes. But when those mistakes lead to an arrest, the legal consequences can be serious and long-lasting. Juvenile crimes in California are handled differently from adult cases. The juvenile court system focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment, but that does not mean the outcome is always light. Every juvenile case must be taken seriously.

If your child has been accused of a crime, William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law helps you fight for their future. Our team knows how the juvenile justice system works in Los Angeles, Inglewood, Long Beach, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties. We understand the California juvenile law, the role of probation officers, and how to challenge the district attorney's case.

With years of experience as a Los Angeles juvenile crime lawyer, we protect your child from harsh penalties and help reduce the impact of a juvenile conviction on their record.

Legal Definition of Juvenile Crime

Under California law, juvenile crimes refer to illegal acts committed by individuals under the age of 18. These acts can range from minor status offenses like truancy or curfew violations to serious felonies such as robbery, drug possession, or assault and battery and even murder. The California Welfare and Institutions Code governs most juvenile delinquency cases.

Juvenile court jurisdiction begins when a juvenile petition is filed, and the case is transferred to the juvenile court system. Unlike adult criminal courts, the goal of the juvenile delinquency court is often rehabilitation rather than punishment.

However, if the juvenile offender is charged with a 707(b) offense, they may face a juvenile transfer hearing to determine if they will be tried as an adult.

Common Juvenile Offenses in Los Angeles

Juvenile offenses in Los Angeles vary in seriousness, but many follow similar patterns. Some of the most common juvenile crimes handled in the Los Angeles juvenile court system are:

Shoplifting and Petty Theft

Theft is one of the most frequent offenses among juvenile arrestees. Many are caught shoplifting from stores or taking items from classmates. Depending on the value, the district attorney may file misdemeanor or felony charges. Some youth are required to attend classes from groups like the National Association of Shoplifting Prevention.

Assault, Battery, and School Fights

Fights between students can result in assault and battery charges under the California Penal Code. These are serious offenses and may trigger a detention hearing if a student is arrested. The court may assign a juvenile probation officer to the case and determine whether formal probation is necessary.

Drug Possession or Distribution

Drug-related juvenile offenses often involve marijuana, prescription pills, or other substances listed under the California Health and Safety Code. Juvenile case outcomes vary depending on the amount, type of drug, and whether distribution was involved. Narcotics Anonymous classes or other addiction programs may be included in sentencing.

Vandalism and Property Crimes

Breaking windows, spray-painting walls, and other forms of vandalism fall under the California Penal Code. A juvenile criminal record can result from these actions, especially if the damage is high or repeated. Some courts favor restitution options or community service programs for first-time juvenile defendants.

Weapons Possession

Carrying a weapon without permission, including on school grounds, can lead to severe juvenile delinquency charges. If the weapon is a firearm or considered dangerous under Penal Code 12022, the district attorney's office may request transfer to adult court through a 707B offense motion.

Gang-Related Offenses

Gang allegations can bring enhancements under Penal Code 186.22, increasing the penalties in a juvenile case. The court may treat the youth as a high-risk offender and request a juvenile transfer motion. The defense must be strong and should involve a skilled juvenile defense attorney.

Truancy and Runaway Cases

These status offenses are often seen in the juvenile court, especially when schools or parents file complaints. Though they may seem minor, repeated truancy can lead to further involvement in the criminal justice system and time in juvenile detention centers or supervised programs.

What Happens After a Juvenile Arrest in Los Angeles

Once a minor is arrested, the case enters the juvenile justice system. Each step matters, from where the youth is held to how charges are filed.

Here's what usually happens:

Juvenile Detention vs. Release to Parents

Detention Hearings and Formal Charges

A detention hearing typically occurs shortly after a juvenile is taken into custody, usually within 48 to 72 hours. The judge reviews the facts to decide whether the minor should stay in a juvenile detention facility or be released. During this hearing, the district attorney presents the case, and a juvenile criminal defense attorney can argue for release or dismissal.

If the judge allows the case to move forward, the district attorney files a juvenile petition. This marks the start of formal charges in the juvenile delinquency court. The hearing is not the same as a trial, but it can decide the path of the case.

A strong juvenile defense lawyer is crucial at this stage to challenge weak evidence or request diversion instead of deeper court involvement.

The Role of Probation Officers and Judges

Probation officers guide juvenile arrestees through the system. They investigate the case, interview families, and make reports to the judge. Judges rely on these reports to decide outcomes, penalties, and placement options.

Penalties and Sentencing in Juvenile Court

In the juvenile court system, the goal is usually to help the child avoid future trouble, not just punish them. Still, the penalties in juvenile delinquency court can be strict, especially for serious juvenile offenses.

Depending on the case, the judge may order probation, time in a juvenile detention center, or even commitment to the Division of Juvenile Justice.

Informal Probation and Diversion

For minor juvenile offenses or first-time juvenile defendants, the court may offer informal probation. This often happens outside of formal court supervision and does not result in a juvenile conviction. The youth may be required to:

• Attend counseling or therapy
• Complete community service programs
• Take part in addiction support like Narcotics Anonymous classes
• Write apology letters or attend restorative justice initiatives

If the child finishes the diversion program successfully, the juvenile case is usually closed without any formal record under California juvenile law.

Formal Probation and Camp Placement

If informal probation is not enough or the offense is more serious, the judge may order formal probation. This includes strict rules and regular check-ins with a juvenile probation officer. Penalties may also include:

• Home supervision
• GPS monitoring
• Placement in group homes or foster care
• Sentencing to a juvenile camp, which is a locked facility with educational programs

Formal probation is part of the criminal justice system and can stay on the juvenile criminal record unless sealed later.

DJJ (Division of Juvenile Justice) Commitment

For very serious cases, such as offenses listed under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 707(b) or repeat violations, a juvenile may be committed to the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

DJJ is the most secure and restrictive level of youth incarceration in California and is typically reserved for:

• Gang-related felonies
• Weapons enhancements under California Penal Code § 12022
• Arson under California Penal Code § 451
• Homicide under California Penal Code § 187

A DJJ commitment can last until the youth turns age 25, depending on the offense, age at adjudication, and the court's disposition. DNA collection is required for most DJJ commitments under state law.

A skilled juvenile defense lawyer will often work to avoid DJJ by advocating for rehabilitation, local programs, or less restrictive placement.

Record Sealing Opportunities

Even if your child is found guilty, there are ways to protect their future. After the case ends, they may qualify for record sealing. A motion to seal and destroy the record can be filed if they:

• Complete probation or diversion
• Stay out of trouble for a set time
• Show progress in school or work

Under California juvenile law, sealing records removes them from public view. This helps with college, jobs, and housing. Juvenile confidentiality laws also protect many juvenile court records, but sealing provides stronger privacy.

Legal Strategies in Juvenile Defense

Juvenile cases are different from adult trials. A strong legal strategy can protect your child from harsh penalties and long-term damage. An experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney looks closely at every detail, from the circumstances of the arrest to what alternatives are available under California juvenile law. Each step matters in the juvenile justice system.

Challenging Unlawful Searches and Arrests

Police must follow the law when they search a person or make an arrest. If they do not follow the rules, the evidence they find may not be allowed in court. This is very important in juvenile cases. Your child has rights, even if they are under 18.

Sometimes, police search backpacks, pockets, or bedrooms without a warrant. They may ask questions without letting the child talk to a parent or lawyer. These actions may be against California law.

A juvenile criminal defense attorney can look at how the arrest happened. If the search was illegal, the lawyer could ask the court to throw out the evidence. This can help stop the case from going forward or reduce the charges.

Negotiating Diversion or Deferred Entry of Judgment

Some kids make mistakes, but do not need to go to court or jail. In many juvenile cases, the court offers a second chance. This is called diversion or deferred entry of judgment.

If the child is a first-time offender and the crime is not serious, the judge may agree to a plan instead of punishment. This plan may include going to counseling, doing community service, or attending special classes. If the child completes everything, the case can be dismissed, and they will not have a juvenile conviction.

Presenting Strong Mitigating Factors

Judges and probation officers look at more than just the offense. A skilled juvenile defense lawyer will highlight:

• Lack of criminal history
• Good behavior at school
• Family support
• Mental health or addiction issues
• Role of peer pressure or social media influence

These facts can lead to informal probation, fewer penalties, or a recommendation for counseling instead of detention.

Preventing Transfer to Adult Court

In very serious cases, especially violent offenses like those listed under 707(b), the district attorney may file a motion to transfer the juvenile to adult court. This is one of the biggest risks in the juvenile court system. Adult court brings longer sentences, fewer protections, and a criminal record that follows the person for life.

A juvenile transfer hearing is held to decide if the case should stay in juvenile court. Your child’s lawyer must act quickly and aggressively at this stage. A juvenile defense attorney may present expert reports, school records, and testimony about your child’s background, mental health, or home life. The goal is to show the judge that rehabilitation is possible within the juvenile justice system.

Keeping the case in juvenile court can protect your child from adult jail, criminal charges under the California Penal Code, and permanent consequences. When it comes to avoiding transfer, experience matters. The right defense can give your child the second chance they need.

FAQs

1. What happens in a juvenile court case?

The case goes to juvenile court, where a judge decides what should happen. There is no jury trial. A juvenile defense attorney helps your child during this process. The court may give probation, classes, or other help instead of jail.

2. Will my child go to a juvenile detention center?

Not always. Some children are released to their parents. Others may stay in juvenile hall until the detention hearing. A lawyer can ask the judge to let your child go home or avoid staying in a juvenile detention facility.

3. Can a juvenile record be sealed?

Yes. After the case ends and your child stays out of trouble, we can ask the court to seal the juvenile criminal record. This means it is hidden from schools, jobs, and the public. We file a motion to seal and destroy the record.

4. Can my child be charged as an adult?

Yes, but only in serious cases like California Welfare and Institutions Code § 707 offenses. The district attorney may try to move the case to adult court. A juvenile criminal defense attorney can fight to keep it in juvenile court, where the penalties are less severe.

5. What is a diversion program?

It is a second chance for kids who made a mistake. Instead of punishment, the court gives a plan that includes classes, counseling, or community service. If your child finishes the plan, the juvenile petition may be dropped and there will be no conviction.

Contact Our Los Angeles Juvenile Crime Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If your child has been arrested or charged with a juvenile offense, do not wait. The earlier you get legal help, the better the chances of protecting your child’s future. William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law understands how the Los Angeles juvenile court system works.

Our team knows how to deal with the district attorney's office, probation officers, and judges. We guide you through every step of the case and fight to keep your child out of juvenile detention centers. We also work hard to keep their record clean by helping with diversion, deferred entry of judgment, or a motion to seal and destroy the record.

Contact us now at (323) 655-5700 for a free consultation with a skilled juvenile law attorney. We do not charge anything to talk about your case. Let us help you and your child move forward with confidence and support.