Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer for Juveniles
If your child has been charged with a drug crime in the Los Angeles area, it’s essential to understand the juvenile court process.
It can be a complicated process to navigate without the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. However, knowing what to expect throughout the juvenile court process can help you and your child prepare for each step and ensure their rights are protected.
This article will provide an overview of the juvenile court process for drug crimes in Los Angeles so you can be better prepared to handle the situation.
Juvenile Drug Crimes Attorney in Los Angeles
In California, a juvenile is a person under 18 who is alleged to have committed a crime or a delinquent act. Juvenile cases are handled differently than adult criminal cases, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
A drug crime involves possessing, selling, or manufacturing illegal drugs. In California, the possession, sale, and transportation of controlled substances are illegal under Health and Safety Code Section 11350.
A drug crime attorney is a lawyer who represents clients who have been charged with drug-related offenses. They can help clients understand the charges against them, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or plea bargains, and mount a defense in court.
Different Types of Juvenile Drug Crimes
Drug Possession
Juveniles who possess any drug, including marijuana, prescription medications without a valid prescription, illegal narcotics, or other controlled substances, can face drug possession charges.
Drug Trafficking
Juveniles may face federal drug trafficking charges if caught transporting or selling drugs across state lines.
Manufacturing Drugs
If a juvenile is found to be manufacturing a controlled substance/drug, such as methamphetamine or synthetic marijuana, they can face felony offense charges.
Criminal Offenses Where Minors Aged 14 and Above Can Be Tried as Adults
The juvenile court system treats minor offenses differently than the adult criminal justice system, focusing more on rehabilitation than punishment.
In Los Angeles, however, minors aged 14 and above can be tried as adults for certain crimes. When faced with more serious criminal charges such as sex crimes, homicide, manufacturing, and selling certain drugs, minors may be sentenced as adults if deemed necessary by the juvenile court.
The decision to charge a juvenile offender in an adult court is made by a judge and depends on the severity of the criminal offense, the juvenile’s prior criminal history, and the case’s circumstances.
Overview of the Juvenile Court Process in Los Angeles
The California juvenile system is designed to handle cases involving minors, including drug offenses committed by juveniles. This is a separate court system from the adult criminal justice system and has different outcomes and punishments than adult courts.
Juveniles who have committed drug crimes such as drug possession, trafficking, or manufacturing can be tried in a juvenile court instead of an adult court. The juvenile court system also deals with other juvenile crimes like traffic violations and underage drinking.
When juveniles are arrested for drug crimes, they appear before the Juvenile Delinquency Court. In this court, the judge decides whether to keep the minor in the juvenile court system or transfer them to the adult criminal justice system. Depending on the crime’s severity and the minor’s age, the judge may send them to an adult court.
If the minor is sent to any juvenile court, their case will be handled differently than an adult drug case. Various legal professionals handle cases in juvenile court, including drug lawyers, Criminal Law attorneys, and homicide attorneys.
These lawyers can help minors avoid harsh legal punishments associated with drug trafficking or other drug charges.
Potential Outcomes of a Juvenile Drug Crime Case
There are various possible outcomes in juvenile drug crime cases in Los Angeles. Depending on the particular facts of your case, criminal law attorneys can work together to craft a defense strategy for obtaining the most favorable outcome.
Generally speaking, a juvenile drug crime case may result in any of the following potential outcomes:
Dismissal of Charges
In some instances, drug lawyers may get the charges dismissed if they can successfully demonstrate that the defendant’s legal rights were violated or that there is insufficient evidence to prove guilt.
Juvenile Probation
The juvenile justice system may decide that probation is an appropriate punishment for the minor’s drug offense. This typically involves the minor being supervised and ordered to perform certain tasks, like traffic safety courses, completing community service, or attending counseling sessions.
Transfer to Adult Court
In some instances involving more serious offenses, such as federal drug trafficking or manufacturing or selling drugs, minors 14 years of age or older may be transferred to the adult criminal justice system. In this case, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to mitigate the potential penalties associated with these types of charges.
Delinquency Court
A juvenile delinquency court may deem reprimands and educational programs appropriate in some cases involving less serious drug offenses.
Can Hiring a Juvenile Drug Crimes Lawyer Increase the Chances of Rehabilitation?
Hiring a juvenile drug crimes lawyer can significantly increase the chances of rehabilitation instead of detention for juvenile offenders in Los Angeles County.
A skilled juvenile defense attorney is well-versed in California law and juvenile proceedings and can advocate for the young person’s future by presenting compelling arguments for rehabilitation over harsh legal penalties.
They can navigate through juvenile courts, ensuring the child receives the best legal representation during juvenile detention hearings and, if necessary, a jury trial.
Juvenile defense lawyers work diligently to prevent the filing of formal charges and can negotiate with the district attorney for alternative solutions like informal probation, focusing on rehabilitation.
They play a crucial role in a fitness hearing, helping the judge decide the most suitable path for the child, whether it be rehabilitation programs or juvenile halls.
Having an attorney present can also aid in protecting the juvenile records of the defendants, safeguarding their future from the impacts of a drug conviction or attempted murder charges.
How Can a Los Angeles Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney has a legal team of experienced and dedicated juvenile marijuana defense attorneys with years of experience representing individuals charged with drug crimes in both the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems.
If you or someone you know is facing a juvenile drug crime charge, don’t hesitate to contact Christopher Chaney. We’ll provide you with knowledgeable legal advice and defense strategies necessary to navigate the complexities of the juvenile court and minimize the potential penalties associated with a juvenile drug crime charge.
Whether you’re fighting a restraining order or need to consult a homicide attorney, we can assist you. You can count on us for legal counsel, representation, preparation for hearings, negotiating plea bargains, and appealing judgments, no matter what your legal issue is. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
