Juvenile Offenses

Being charged with a crime is a terrible feeling. But having your child charged with a crime may be worse. Watching your son or daughter be put into handcuffs and driven away in the back of a police car is heart wrenching. We can help! There are a number of options the court has when dealing with a juvenile offender beyond sending them to jail. The court can elect to send your child to therapeutic rehabilitation or even a group home. Let us walk with you through this process, let us fight as hard for your child as you would!

Summary of California Juvenile Crimes

Juveniles can be charged with almost every criminal offense, but these are the ones they are most often charged with:

Skipping School – Children are required to attend school between the ages of 6 and 18, and if the child is consistently missing class, the school can call the police.

Marijuana Possession – Marijuana use is legal in California, but you must be 21 to legally use it. Teenagers who are found to be in possession of marijuana can be arrested and charged with a crime.

Drugs – Drug use is rampant among teenagers. If your child is found to be in possession of drugs, they will be charged with a crime.

Alcohol – Teens who are found drinking, in possession of, or trying to buy alcohol can be charged with a crime.

Theft – Shoplifting is another common juvenile activity. If your child is caught stealing, they will be charged with a crime.

Sexting –Your child and all his or her friends probably have cell phones. It is common for nude or sexual pictures and videos to be sent among those phones. Since the people in the pictures or videos are likely under 18, this is considered child pornography. The person who created it, who sent it and who received it, could all face charges.

Vandalism – Some of the activities we all engaged in as teenagers are actually illegal, like egging a house, and are considered vandalism.

That is a list of the most commonly-charged offenses for juveniles. However, juveniles can be charged with almost any crime an adult can, including serious crimes. Most juveniles under the age of 18 go through the juvenile court system. However, children over the age of 14 can be charged as an adult for some offenses, like Murder, Robbery, or other serious or violent offenses. If your child is being charged, don’t let them get swept up into the system and become just another statistic. Call Oriole Law Group, and we’ll fight for your child like we would our own.