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When a young person faces criminal charges, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The juvenile justice system, while aimed at rehabilitation, can still have profound and lasting impacts on a child’s future.
At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand that adolescence is a time of growth, learning, and sometimes, mistakes. We believe that a youthful error in judgment shouldn’t derail a child’s entire future. Our team is dedicated to protecting the rights of young people, fighting for their futures, and helping families navigate this challenging time.
The juvenile justice system in California is distinct from the adult criminal justice system. Its primary goal is rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, the consequences of juvenile adjudication can still be severe and long-lasting. Key aspects of the system include:
Our firm has experience defending juveniles against a wide range of charges, including:
While the juvenile system focuses on rehabilitation, the consequences can still be significant:
At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we approach each case with a strategy tailored to the circumstances of the juvenile and their family. Some potential defense strategies we may explore include:
We scrutinize all evidence and procedures to ensure your child’s rights were not violated during the arrest or investigation.
Many juveniles may be eligible for diversion programs that can keep the case out of court or the typical juvenile delinquency process.
We emphasize your child’s potential for rehabilitation and present mitigating factors to the court.
If applicable, we may argue that underlying mental health or substance abuse issues contributed to the offense and advocate for treatment rather than punishment.
When your child’s future is on the line, you need a defense team that combines legal acumen with a deep understanding of the juvenile justice system. Here’s why David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys stands out:
★ Knowledge of Juvenile Law: We stay up-to-date on the latest developments in juvenile law and understand the unique aspects of the juvenile court system.
★ Compassionate Approach: We recognize the stress that juvenile charges place on the entire family and provide supportive, understanding representation.
★ Strong Relationships with Local Courts: Our extensive experience in Chula Vista courts gives us valuable insights into local procedures and tendencies of judges and prosecutors.
★ Focus on Long-Term Outcomes: We don’t just fight the immediate charges; we work to protect your child’s future opportunities in education and employment.
★ Comprehensive Support: We can connect you with resources for counseling, education support, and other services your child may need.
★ Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully defended numerous juvenile clients, often achieving case dismissals, charge reductions, or favorable dispositions that prioritize rehabilitation.
If your child has been arrested or is facing juvenile charges in Chula Vista, taking prompt action is crucial:
If your child is facing criminal charges in California, swift action is imperative. The consequences can be life altering and long lasting. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation with one of our attorneys and learn how to best protect your child’s freedom and future.
Too often, we see families who “wait and see,” unsure of the legal landscape ahead, only for charges to escalate. They then find themselves backpedaling into a bad defense and an even worse outcome. Don’t let that happen to your child. Protect their freedom. Protect their future. Know their rights.
The contents of this article and blog are meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.
Here’s what you need to know to regain control of your future
You have questions. We have answers. Check out our answers to some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. Want more information or have a question not answered here about how you can regain control of your future if charged with a crime? Give us a call at (619) 295-3555.
In many cases, juvenile records can be sealed. However, this is not automatic and may require a petition to the court.
In certain serious cases, juveniles can be tried as adults. However, recent changes in California law have made this less common and more difficult for prosecutors to achieve.
Juvenile court proceedings are generally more informal and focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The terminology is different (e.g., “adjudication” instead of “conviction,”) and there’s no jury at trial.
While detention is possible, especially for serious offenses, the juvenile system offers many alternatives to incarceration. Our goal is always to keep your child out of detention facilities whenever possible.
While juvenile records are generally confidential, a juvenile adjudication can still impact future education, employment, and military service opportunities. It’s crucial to fight these charges to protect your child’s future.
Parents have the right to be present at all court proceedings and to be informed about their child’s case. However, the child also has a right to an attorney who represents their interests, which may sometimes conflict with parental wishes.
“I came to David Shapiro to end my probation early and expunge my case. I had a very positive and very informative experience with him. David and his assistant Maria were excellent and always kept in the loop of what was going on.”
“Helping good people get their lives back is not just a catch phrase. They mean what they say and are serious about taking care of the client. Ally Keegan and the team at Law Office of David Shapiro are AMAZING! My charges for a 25 plus year old case were dismissed, it was not easy but I truly believe that if I had went with any other Law Firm that the outcome would have been very different. Thank you Ally for helping me get my life back!”
“I called many lawyers after I got my DUI. Stefano was the only lawyer who put my mind at ease and gave me a sense of relief. He constantly communicated with me about my case and laid out all my options. He was willing and able to do whatever he could to help me. He went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have used David 2 times in the past and he has by far exceeded my expectations. He has great knowledge and knows the system. He is straight forward and honest and somebody you can trust without doubt. I would recommend him to friends, family, and anybody that needs help. Best attorney I’ve ever come across.”
“Stefano Molea was extremely professional and consistently timely with responses to my questions. Most of all, Stefano was reliable. Stefano was diligent with discovery and always prepared and tenacious when relevant to the situation. Stefano is an attorney that you can count on for the best outcome. Thank you Stefano for all you did in my case. You’re so awesome!!!!”
“Ally was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her calm and reassuring demeanor was matched with her excellent knowledge, dedication, thoroughness. We unfortunately found ourselves in need of a criminal lawyer and we can without a doubt say that having Ally and her firm represent us from the beginning was the best choice we could have made.”
