If you are under the age of 18 and find yourself involved in a criminal incident in California, it is important to understand that you will likely be treated as a juvenile in the eyes of the law. The juvenile criminal court system operates differently from the adult system in various ways.
For personalized guidance on your specific juvenile case, we invite you to schedule a complimentary legal consultation with Dan Chambers, a highly skilled juvenile crime defense attorney in Southern California, at Chambers Law Firm. Contact us at 714-760-4088 to get started.
Protection and Constitutional Considerations for Juveniles
As minors, juveniles are afforded certain protections due to their limited understanding of federal and state laws. However, it is important to note that they do not possess the same constitutional rights as adults. The procedures in juvenile court aim to strike a balance between these factors while also focusing on making informed decisions that facilitate the rehabilitation of young individuals facing criminal charges.
Guilt and Innocence Determination
One significant difference between adult and juvenile criminal processes is the way guilt and innocence are determined. In adult cases, the offender is judged as either innocent or guilty through a jury trial. On the other hand, a juvenile in California undergoes an “adjudication” where their case is heard by a judge rather than a jury. Instead of being found guilty or not guilty, the petition against the juvenile is deemed “true” or “not true,” or “sustained” or “not sustained.”
Rather than a trial, a formal hearing takes place. During the hearing, the court may consider various factors such as the juvenile’s social, psychological, and societal background, in addition to the legal facts. This approach allows the court to recommend rehabilitation measures tailored to the individual’s specific circumstances.
Focus on Rehabilitation
While rehabilitation measures can be ordered by adult courts, they are almost always mandated in juvenile courts to reintegrate delinquent juvenile offenders into society effectively. Adult courts often rely on the punishment received as a deterrent to discourage further criminal behavior, whereas juvenile courts emphasize incentives for young offenders to discontinue their involvement in illegal activities.
Detention of Juveniles
Several states, including California, have established youth detention facilities to house minors following their arrests and/or trials. These facilities aim to safeguard juveniles from external factors that may have contributed to their delinquency while providing opportunities for successful rehabilitation. If you are arrested as a juvenile, the arresting officer may decide to take you directly to a juvenile detention facility to ensure your well-being until a judge determines whether you should remain detained pending your trial.
Confidentiality of Juvenile Court Proceedings
Furthermore, juvenile offenders are shielded from unnecessary stigmatization by keeping their court proceedings private. Juvenile court records are generally inaccessible to the public, safeguarding the privacy of offenders and fostering an environment conducive to rehabilitation. In contrast, adult criminal court files and records of court proceedings are typically open to public scrutiny.
Additional Differences
There are numerous other ways in which being charged as a juvenile differs from being charged as an adult. To gain further insight into the appropriate actions to take if you have been charged with a crime as a minor, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with Chambers Law Firm. We will provide specific legal advice tailored to your situation and work diligently on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
