San Bernardino Juvenile Attorney
Being accused of a crime is intimidating in any scenario, but it is especially difficult for a child or adolescent. If your child has been accused of a crime, it is crucial to understand the charges and punishments your child is facing. In most cases, the court prosecutes juvenile crimes differently than crimes committed by adults, and the distinction is essential to your child’s case.
You do not have to go through this difficult process alone. With the help of a San Bernardino juvenile lawyer, you and your family can navigate this difficult time and build a criminal defense case on behalf of your child. An attorney can help you understand your options and offer advice if you are unsure how to proceed.
Though not all criminal lawyers will take on juvenile court cases, our team has the specific experience that allows us to properly represent juveniles in court.
Trust the San Bernardino Juvenile Lawyers at My SoCal Lawyers
It can be difficult to find a San Bernardino juvenile lawyer for your child’s case, but our team has years of experience in this field. Our accomplished juvenile lawyers can build a case for your family and work to achieve the most favorable possible result in your case. After years of working in juvenile criminal law, we have a deep and firm understanding of the San Bernardino juvenile criminal system. We believe this knowledge and experience benefit our clients, giving us the ability to offer them reliable legal support during their cases.
Our team is sensitive to the fact that juvenile cases often have a heightened level of emotion associated with them. Many parents worry that a juvenile offense will restrict their child’s opportunities later in life. Our San Bernardino juvenile attorneys can answer all of your questions and help to put your mind at ease for the duration of your case.
When searching for a juvenile attorney in San Bernardino, look no further than our team at My SoCal Lawyers.
What Is a Juvenile Defense Case?
The criminal justice system is the way that the state and federal governments enforce laws. Acting as the prosecution, the government files a claim against someone they suspect of committing a crime. Criminal defense is how an accused person defends themselves against these accusations in court. Juvenile defense occurs when a minor, or a person under 18, has been accused of a crime and must defend themselves against the accusation.
Because of their age, minors do not usually face the same laws and regulations as adults do. Juvenile court offers alternative sentences and punishments for minors who have committed a crime. This court system usually aims to provide rehabilitation rather than punishment for kids with no prior offenses.
It is important to note that juvenile offenders can be tried in regular criminal court if they are over the age of 14 and have committed a serious or violent crime. Rape, murder, and assault, for example, may warrant a trial in criminal court, even if the accused is under the age of 18. However, in most cases, minors go to juvenile court to be tried for their offenses.
Why Do I Need a Private Juvenile Defense Attorney?
The United States legal system guarantees that everyone is entitled to a criminal defense attorney. If an accused person cannot afford a criminal defense attorney, a public defender will be provided for them. This law applies to minors as well as adults.
Though public defenders can offer some counsel, they are usually too overwhelmed with cases to give each situation the attention and care it deserves. This can result in longer or harsher sentences, as well as the loss of alternative sentencing options.
Working with a private juvenile defense attorney gives your family the necessary support to properly address the case at hand. When you work with My SoCal Lawyers, we can offer the personalized legal counsel you need to navigate this difficult situation. We will collaborate with you and your child to create a strong defense case and discuss potential alternative sentencing options if appropriate.
Our attorneys are passionate about protecting our clients, especially in juvenile defense cases where the accused has their whole life ahead of them.
How Much Does a Juvenile Lawyer Cost in San Bernardino?
As with any legal scenario, the cost of your juvenile lawyer depends on the unique circumstances of your child’s case. The more complicated the situation is or the more severe the charges are, the higher the price will be. The cost will also depend on the experience and training of the attorney you choose.
All law firms charge differently for their legal services, so it is important to discuss finances with each potential attorney before you hire them. Some attorneys charge hourly rates, while others charge a flat rate or a percentage of a settlement. The final cost often ranges between $1,500 and $10,000, depending on the case’s details.
Juvenile Sentencing
Many parents are concerned about the punishments their child faces in juvenile court. Though the punishments are meant to teach offenders a lesson, they are usually more lenient than punishments in a traditional criminal court. However, this is never guaranteed. With the help of a juvenile defense attorney, you can argue for rehabilitation rather than incarceration. If your child has no prior offenses or is particularly young, the court will be more likely to agree to a rehabilitative sentence rather than time in a juvenile facility.
However, if your child has committed a violent crime and is over the age of 14, they can be tried in a standard criminal court. The punishments in these scenarios are the same as they would be for an adult and may include incarceration in federal prison.
Contact My SoCal Lawyers
Do not put your child’s future at risk. Though they may have committed a crime, they deserve the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and move forward into adulthood with a new perspective. The most effective way to achieve this is with the help of a San Bernardino juvenile attorney from My SoCal Lawyers. We are here to support you throughout this process and answer any questions you may have about your child’s case.
To schedule a consultation or to obtain more information, contact My SoCal Lawyers.
