Juvenile FAQs

Q:  What kinds of cases are heard in juvenile court?
A:  Two distinct types of cases are heard in juvenile court: juvenile delinquency cases and juvenile status offenses.  Juvenile delinquency cases involve crimes committed by minors who are under the age of 18.  These crimes would be considered "adult offenses" if committed by adults, and can include murder, attempted murder, arson of an inhabited building, robbery with a weapon, and assault with a firearm.  Juvenile status offenses are much less serious in nature, and can include truancy, running away, possessing alcohol or tobacco, and other conduct that is against the law when committed by children. 

Q:  If the juvenile court judge finds that I committed the crime, will it become a strike on my record?
A:  Under California's Three Strikes Law, an adult who is convicted of a felony but has two prior serious or violent felony convictions faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison for the third felony conviction. 

Few people realize that if you are an adult charged with committing a serious felony offense, and you have a juvenile record where you were convicted of serious or violent crimes at age 16 or 17, these juvenile convictions can count as "strikes" under California's Three Strikes Law, even if the records were sealed.  Juvenile crimes that can count as strikes under California's Three Strikes Law include murder, rape with force or violence, assault with a firearm, kidnapping for purpose of robbery, and discharge of a firearm into an inhabited building.  

Q:  Does the juvenile conviction stay on my record? 
A:   In some circumstances, you can have your juvenile record sealed.  Once your record is sealed, you do not have to mention this conviction in future employment, college, or professional licensing applications.  To have your record sealed, you must be at least 18 years old and need to file a petition with the court.  We have the experience and knowledge to determine if your records can be sealed and can guide you through the process of having them sealed. 

Q:  My child was tried as an adult, how can that be?
A:  If your child is 14 years old or older, he or she can be tried as an adult depending on the seriousness of the criminal charges, the probability of rehabilitating the child, and the child's prior criminal history.  An experienced juvenile crimes lawyer can sometimes have the case sent back to juvenile court, helping your child avoid the increased penalties and consequences of the adult criminal justice system.  

If you are the parent of a child who was arrested for a criminal offense, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey B. Hayden today for experienced representation.