San Diego Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorney

James N. Dicks, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Juvenile crimes refer to any crime committed by a minor (a person under the age of 18). These cases are usually tried in juvenile court, but for certain serious crimes committed by minors over 14 years old, the state may decide to try the minor as an adult, where they face the same penalties an adult would.

When we are young, we make mistakes. We do not always have the knowledge and experience necessary to make the right decision and are often impressionable; therefore doing something that we may never consider doing as an adult. Some of these mistakes, influenced by peer pressure, may result in the arrest of your child. By consulting with a qualified criminal defense attorney, your son or daughter has the chance to learn from his or her mistakes instead of facing unfair punishment.

San Diego criminal defense attorney James N. Dicks has experience in defending juvenile cases and has familiarity with the California juvenile court system and process. Having been involved in the criminal field since 1977, attorney James Dicks is a well-respected and recognized member of the legal community. The vigorous defense he and his staff provide to clients is unparalleled.

Juvenile Crimes in San Diego

If your child is facing a juvenile crime charge in San Diego, there are some things you should know about the proceedings you may face. Juvenile offenses are typically divided into two categories:

Status offenses – these are minor offenses that involve actions that are illegal due to the minor’s age, such as driving without a license, or possessing/consuming alcohol.
Delinquency crimes – these are offenses which are crimes no matter the age of the offender, such as robbery, theft, destruction of property, arson, and more.

In juvenile court, there is no jury to decide the fate of your child. A judge or commissioner will decide guilt or innocence as well as the sentence, which may include probation, payment of damages caused, community service, halfway house or foster care, or a secure facility (“lock up” or “juvenile hall”).

Don’t allow your child to be tried as an adult, and don’t let him or her be found guilty and penalized excessively just because of an overly enthusiastic prosecutor. Work with a lawyer who can prove your side of the story and help your child.

Has your child been accused of a juvenile crime? Contact defense lawyer James N. Dicks today!