What to Do After the Arrest

Solano County Juvenile Defense Lawyers

If your child has been arrested for a juvenile crime, you will need to act quickly. Contact a juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible. In some cases if an attorney is involved early in the process, he or she may be able to help ensure that the case never reaches juvenile court. The juvenile criminal process in California is structured differently than the adult process. For instance, there is no right to a jury trial. Another important difference is that a case may be dismissed at any point in the process, by the arresting officer, juvenile detention officer or prosecuting attorney before the case goes to court.

A defense lawyer will play an important role in the outcome of your child’s case. Your lawyer can negotiate with the juvenile detention officer or D.A. (District Attorney) before charges are actually filed. By negotiating with the D.A. or juvenile officer and presenting evidence or witness testimony in your child’s favor, your lawyer may be able to ensure that charges are not filed. Your lawyer can also negotiate to have charges lowered if dismissing them is not a possibility.

If charges have already been filed, a juvenile defense attorney can still litigate the case and represent your child’s rights in trial in juvenile court.

Attorneys Defending Juvenile Cases in Fairfield, California

In addition to hiring an attorney, there are some actions that you and your child can take in order to improve the outcome of your case, and these include:

• Do not discuss the case with the police, juvenile detention officer or any other party unless your attorney is present.
• Gather any reference letters that you can from teachers, neighbors, church or employers in order to show your child’s good character.
• Gather together report cards that show your child’s academic achievements, as this can positively influence your case.
• Gather together all documents showing positive achievements that your child has made, including any work for the community or other awards, certificates or achievements.

Contact a Fairfield juvenile defense lawyer at Maas Law Offices if your child has been arrested for a juvenile crime in or around Solano County or Contra Costa County, California.