Matthew J Juvenile Law Blog

Certain offense in California can render a juvenile offender a third strike candidate which can mean life imprisonment.  For example, according to one Long Beach Juvenile Attorney,  a juvenile adjudication can be a strike under the three-strikes law when there is the following factors as defined by CA criminal statutes:... Read More

A very frequently asked question is what rights does a juvenile have? In the Los Angeles County Juvenile Justice System, a minor has the same constitutional rights as an adult. Incidentally a minor is entitled to have their Miranda rights read to them as would an adult. A juvenile can also request their Miranda rights and not make any statement unless they have a juvenile criminal attorney present. Also, although a minor may request to have their mother or father in the interview... Read More

The question many parents have regarding their child's criminal juvenile case is whether the criminal record can be sealed when the child turns 18.  The answer to this common question is it depends on the nature of the offense.  For example, most non violent felony cases can be sealed, however, if the offense is a violent  felony such as robbery or murder, the answer is not so clear.  When a minor is convicted of these types of offenses, the sealing of a record becomes mor... Read More

Yes.  In California, juveniles have the right to a speedy adjudication.If the minor is detained, he or she has a right to a trial within 15 court days.  If the child is out of custody, he or she has a right to a speedy adjudication within 30 calender days.  Generally it is the child's attorney who has to make the determination as to what he or she has to do before proceeding with an adjudication of the juvenile case. The Juvenile Defense Lawyer needs to determine how much... Read More

Effective July 1, 2008, it is a criminal offense infraction in California for a juvenile (person under 18) to drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device, or while using a mobile service device. The Vehicle Code Violation is punishable by a $20 fine (plus penalty assessments which can triple the fine) for a first offense, or a $50 fine, subsequent offense.... Read More

In California, juvenile delinquency records are neverautomatically sealed by simply turning 18 years of age.  In California,due to the passage of proposition 21 in the year 2000, not all juvenilerecords can be sealed.  Certain enumerated offenses are listed under 707 ofthe Welfare and Institutions Code and therefore cannot be sealed. These offenses are commonly referred to as violent or very serious felonies, a lawyer can help to seal thoses offenses that are pe... Read More

In California, School Expulsion Hearings are often heard by a panel composed primarily of school adminstrators including principals, vice-principals, and counselors.  The rules of evidence a little more relaxed in a school expulsion hearing as compared to a criminal court proceeding.  Technical rules of evidence do not apply, but relevant evidence may be admitted and given probative effect only if it is the kind of evidence upon which reasonable pers... Read More

A juvenile (someone under the age of 18) is not entitled to a jury trial in California unless they are charged as an adult in adult Court.  A Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney should be consulted if your child has been arrested for a criminal offense.  Many juvenile criminal charges may stay on the minor's record if there is a conviction.... Read More