Best Defense Attorneys for Juvenile Crimes in Denver, Colorado
Juvenile Defense Attorney & Lawyers in Denver
Minors are not always fully aware of their rights and responsibilities under Colorado law, and the consequences can be quite severe when a young person faces criminal or delinquency charges. As a parent, your instinct is to protect your child, but you might find yourself overwhelmed by juvenile court proceedings. This is why contacting a Denver juvenile defense attorney is in your best interest. One of our experienced legal professionals is equipped to adequately represent your child throughout the entirety of the juvenile court case process.
Understanding the Penalties & Process of Prosecuting Juveniles in Denver
Typically, a person who is under the age of 18 is considered a juvenile according to Colorado law. Juvenile cases apply to individuals ten or older who have been accused of criminal offenses or delinquent actions.
When a juvenile has been arrested, the young person has the right to an initial hearing to determine if the juvenile should continue to be detained. After the detention hearing, the prosecution can choose whether to file a delinquency petition with the court system.
A judge or magistrate oversees the hearings when juvenile cases go to trial. A jury trial is usually reserved for serious juvenile cases involving violent offenses or sex offenses.
Criminal Justice System for Juvenile Offenders
Though different from adult cases in many ways, juvenile cases are often just as complicated. Because the court system can become confusing and overwhelming for minors and their parents, working with a juvenile criminal defense attorney is highly advisable. At Juba Law, our attorneys are well-versed in navigating juvenile justice cases. We not only guide juvenile clients throughout the entire legal process, but we take time to educate our young clients about their rights and the resources available to them. It is our goal to reach a satisfactory outcome that protects the client’s future.
Sentencing Options for a Juvenile in Colorado
Juvenile delinquency cases and juvenile criminal cases can end with several sentencing options depending on the nature of the offense and the client’s history.
Possible sentences include the following:
- County jail (if the individual has turned 18 by the time of sentencing)
- Commitment to the state’s Division of Youth Services, usually for up to two years, but potentially up to seven years in serious cases
- Detention for no more than 45 days
- Placement outside of the home
- Placement with relatives
- Probation (typically for two years if the individual complies with the terms)
- Restitution (reimbursing victims for damages)
Why You Need a Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer
Whether you’re facing juvenile drug cases, juvenile theft cases, juvenile sex offender cases, or juvenile murder cases, you need a Denver juvenile defense lawyer. Young people don’t always understand the consequences of their actions, and because of this, they may find themselves battling charges they don’t fully grasp. A juvenile defense lawyer in Denver can provide expert representation and see to it that your child’s future is preserved as well as possible. Additionally, a lawyer will work hard to ensure that the client has the resources they need to prevent future offenses.
Best Legal Representation for Your Child
At Juba Law, our team of juvenile defense attorneys in Denver not only represents young clients in an array of juvenile crimes cases, but we also work within the community through organizations like LYRIC, Chained Voices, the Second Wind Fund, the Colorado Juvenile Defender Center, and Denver Juvenile Justice. To begin with, we aim to strengthen community awareness, enhance juvenile empowerment, and offer services that keep young people out of the court system. We will take every possible step to protect your child’s rights and defend them in court with decades of experience and professionalism.