Common Juvenile Crimes

Are you the parent of a juvenile in Colorado? You may not even realize that a number of the most common juvenile crimes count as crimes. Some simply view them as common adolescent behavior. In the state of Colorado, here are a few of the most common juvenile crimes:

• Curfew violations
• Alcohol offenses
• Trespassing
• Disorderly conduct
• Harassment
• Loitering
• Possession of marijuana
• Criminal mischief
• Reckless endangerment

Types of Juveniles

According to Colorado juvenile law, two types of offenses can be committed by a juvenile. The juvenile court system prosecutes juveniles who:

1. Commit acts of delinquency – Acts that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult, e.g., burglary or trespassing.
2. Commit status offenses – Acts that are only illegal because they were committed by a minor, e.g., truancy or violating curfew.

Consequences for Juvenile Crimes

One of two things may happen when a child is picked up as a delinquent or a status offender. The police may issue a summons to appear in court and release the juvenile back to the parents or guardians. Or, the juvenile may be detained in a juvenile detention center and brought before a juvenile court magistrate or judge for a detention hearing.

Minor juvenile offenses may be prosecuted at the municipal level in any one of the many municipal courts around the state. More serious offenses will likely be prosecuted at the state level in Denver juvenile court or one of the County District Courts, based on the location of the alleged offense. Regardless of where you are being prosecuted, a juvenile has the same constitutional rights. This includes the right to plead not guilty, the right to be presumed innocent, and the right to a trial. If a juvenile is found guilty at a trial, the court will proceed to a sentence. This is where the judge or magistrate is supposed to decide what will be best to rehabilitate the young person. Sentencing options include a period of supervised or unsupervised probation, placement out of the home, or commitment to the Division of Youth Services. If property damage or other monetary damage is caused, the sentence could also include restitution. This would be a requirement to pay money for whatever damages were caused by the act.

All municipal juvenile offenses will be expunged once the case is closed, regardless of the outcome of the proceeding, including where the juvenile goes to trial and is found guilty. Most state-level juvenile offenses can also be expunged, depending on the type of offense and whether the juvenile has any prior offenses.

Hiring a Lawyer

If your child has been charged with a crime in municipal court, Denver Juvenile Court, or any other District Court in Colorado, you need to hire a juvenile criminal lawyer. The lawyers at the Juba Law Office specialize in representing juveniles charged with all types of crimes. We can work on securing the best outcome for your child. We offer holistic juvenile representation, including negotiating the best outcomes, defending the charges at trial, and working to expunge your juvenile record.

Get in touch with our team at Juba Law Office for the best juvenile defense in the state.

The post The Most Common Juvenile Crimes and Their Consequences in Colorado appeared first on The Juba Law Office PLLC.

However, in the event that this does occur, it is crucial to take immediate steps to navigate the Colorado juvenile court system properly. Here are some things parents should know to prepare for their child’s arrest.

#1. Remain Calm and Non-Judgmental

No matter what your child has done, it’s important to remind them that you are an ally and here to help. With an estimated 700,000 juvenile arrests occurring in the US during 2019, your child is not in this boat alone. Let them know that they will get through this experience and that you’ll be working to support them throughout the process.

#2. Stay Courteous with the Authorities

While staying composed in front of the officers who arrested your child may seem difficult, remaining respectful is key. Insulting or arguing with the authorities will only hurt your child’s case. Remember that you are not a lawyer; instead, you are simply there to provide your child with emotional support.

#3. Do NOT Speak to the Police without a Lawyer Present

While you should always maintain a polite attitude towards the authorities, you should also understand that they are not on your child’s side. Unfortunately, the police are not impartial when it comes to your child’s case. As such, you should refrain from speaking with them without a lawyer present.

The right to remain silent also applies to your child. While juveniles in custody must provide at least some identifying information, such as their name and date of birth, they are not required to disclose any information regarding their case. If the police try to speak to your child, you and your child should invoke the right to remain silent and request to speak to a juvenile defense attorney.

#4. Call a Lawyer Immediately

You may be asking yourself, “Do you need a lawyer for juvenile court?” The short answer is: yes.

After your child informs you of their arrest, you’ll want to contact a juvenile defense lawyer immediately. This is a vital step, as an experienced lawyer will understand the ins and outs of Colorado juvenile laws and how they apply to your child’s case. Most importantly, a juvenile lawyer will be a steadfast advocate for both you and your child for the duration of their case.

#5. Talk to your Child

In these early moments, it’s crucial to keep your child informed and hopeful. Once you have spoken to a lawyer, be sure to relay any important information to your child. Let them know about the juvenile court, how Colorado juvenile laws might apply to their situation, and anything else your attorney deems essential. You’ll also want to remind them not to talk to the police under any circumstances, as this could potentially interfere with their case down the line.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Juvenile Court?

If you’ve already found yourself searching “juvenile attorney near me,” you’ve likely discovered there is no shortage of options. The real problem is finding a lawyer you can trust to fight tirelessly for you and your child.

Since 2012, the expert attorneys at The Juba Law Office, PLLC, have established themselves as dedicated law professionals who get results. Don’t wait for your case to worsen; call us immediately at (303) 974-1080 for a consultation on your situation and the options you may have.

SOURCES:

https://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/qa05101.asp

https://www.vice.com/en/article/mvkgnp/law-professor-police-interrogation-law-constitution-survival

The post 5 Steps to Take When Your Child Is Arrested in Colorado appeared first on The Juba Law Office PLLC.