Juvenile Crime Attorney in Contra Costa County
Expert Juvenile Defense by Horowitz Law
Individuals under the age of 18 are considered juveniles, and juvenile crime accusations against them are handled differently than those against adults. While juvenile offenses may not be penalized as heavily as adult offenses, they are still serious and can have lifelong consequences. It is crucial to take any and all charges seriously.
Our Approach to Juvenile Defense
At Horowitz Law, we understand that a juvenile criminal charge elevated to the adult system can severely impact future plans for education, career, and family. Our office is tough and does not coddle teenagers who get arrested. If your child is looking for an excuse maker, we are not the right fit. Instead, we offer hard negotiation skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the Office of the District Attorney, victims, and social service providers to fashion a resolution that meets the needs of all involved.
Achieving Fair Resolutions
While a fair resolution is not always possible, as even reasonable people may sometimes be unable to bridge certain gaps, our juvenile defense lawyers are among the most experienced trial lawyers in California. We are committed to providing the best defense and the best opportunity for a positive courtroom outcome.
Contact Us
If your child is facing juvenile charges, contact Horowitz Law for expert legal representation. We are dedicated to protecting your child’s future and ensuring the best possible outcome.
Contact us at (925) 291-5388 to talk to our attorney or schedule a consultation.
Understanding California’s Juvenile Justice System
Juvenile crimes, often referred to as “delinquency” or “delinquent acts,” encompass a broad range of offenses. While youth are subject to the same criminal code as adults are, certain criminal offenses are far more common and prevalent than others. These offenses can vary widely, from minor infractions to more serious felonies.
Common juvenile crimes include:
- Violent crimes
- Drug crimes
- Theft crimes
- Domestic violence
- Firearm offenses
- Gang-related crimes
In general, when a youth offender is arrested, the DA’s office will petition the court regarding the offense. If the accusations are for an offense that is only illegal because the accused is a minor (such as a curfew violation, skipping school, or running away), then the offense will be considered a status offense. If the offense is for something that would be considered criminal at any age, then the case changes.
Cases will often go through several hearings before reaching trial, and these hearings can have a significant impact on how a case is tried, as well as what the potential ramifications are for a conviction. A skilled attorney can advocate on behalf of their client, helping them potentially avoid lifelong consequences that can follow them even after they reach adulthood.
Contact Our Team
Juvenile crimes carry unique challenges and require a distinct approach in the legal system. At the Law Office of Daniel Horowitz, we are dedicated to understanding, defending, and supporting our youth as they navigate the complexities of the juvenile justice system.
Call us at (925) 291-5388 to schedule a consultation.
Penalties for Juvenile Offenses
Contra Costa County's juvenile court system prioritizes rehabilitation over punitive measures, offering various penalties that focus on support and growth. With the help of a juvenile crime lawyer, juveniles can navigate this distinct legal landscape and work toward rehabilitation and a promising future.
The penalties for a conviction are generally more lenient in the case of juveniles. Status offenses, for example, will typically not carry any jail time, and will typically not remain on the accused’s record once they reach the age of 18. However, they can result in fines, restitution to victims, and having the juvenile’s driver’s license suspended. Depending on the offense, a conviction could also require the offender to attend a counseling or education program.
Misdemeanor and felony offenses could carry the following penalties:
- Detention in a juvenile justice facility
- Probation
- Being placed in foster care
- Being sent to a Youth Authority facility
According to the California Department of Justice, over 47% of all juvenile arrests were for felony offenses, over 46% were for misdemeanor offenses, and just over 6% were for status offenses in the year 2021. While felony offenses would typically include a prison sentence, large fines, and other penalties for adult offenders, juvenile offenders are often subject to reduced consequences.
However, merely being under the age of 18 does not guarantee that your offense will be charged in the juvenile justice system. In particularly serious cases, such as accusations of a violent crime or certain sexual offenses, it is not uncommon for the case to be transferred to the California criminal court, often referred to as “being tried as an adult.” In these cases, many of the protections that are afforded to juvenile alleged offenders are waived, and convictions could carry tremendous consequences that could impact someone for the rest of their life.
Certified Criminal Defense Specialist
Daniel Horowitz is a certified criminal defense specialist. On high stakes cases Daniel works with Dan Russo and Carmela Caramagno who are also certified criminal defense specialists. This title is not self created. It is a designation of criminal defense achievement issued by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. There are thousands of criminal defense lawyers, thousands of federal defense lawyers but only several hundred State Bar certified specialists.
Client Testimonials
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I cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding legal services provided by Daniel Horowitz. He not only possesses an in-depth understanding of the law but also demonstrated a genuine commitment to me. He took the time to listen attentively to my concerns, providing clear and concise explanations of the legal processes involved in my case. He made me feel heard and supported during this tumultuous time. What impressed me most was his unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for me. The attention to detail and strategic approach to my case were evident at every stage. I am eternally grateful towards Daniel for what he has done for me and I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone seeking legal representation. Thank you DanKento T.
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He told me that he hadn't lost a trial in a long time and he didn't want mine to break the streak. I didn't either! We went to trial and he was in control of the courtroom. He was totally prepared. But I was still worried because the prosecutor was very good as well. Daniel was confident but honest. The jury really liked him. As you can tell, he won my case because I am here, writing this review. Thank you.Michael M.
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My experience with Dan was great. I appreciate the knowledge Dan has and the professionalism they exhibit. I would highly recommend the Law Office Of Daniel Horowitz. My family and I are truly grateful we worked with him.Brandon D.
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He is approachable but serious. Mr. Horowitz is the perfect balance of what someone wants in a lawyer. Not only is he approachable enough to gain and value your trust, but he's a bulldog in the courtroom. Despite his kindness, I have never once doubted his ability to provide me with THE BEST representation in court. I'm so thankful to have found a lawyer capable of such a delicate balancing act.Molly A.