Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado
Fighting for Second Chances for Young People
A mistake shouldn’t define a young person’s future. We defend minors with care and strength—protecting their rights and helping them move forward with a clean slate.
If your child ends up in the juvenile court system, you want experienced legal counsel to defend them and protect their rights and their future.
A juvenile – someone under the age of 18 – accused of a misdemeanor or felony in Colorado is typically charged in juvenile delinquency court. Their criminal case is then held in the juvenile justice system. There are exceptions, of course. A youth may be charged as an adult depending on the seriousness of the crime or a juvenile’s criminal background. If that happens, the penalties are more severe.
At Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys in Denver and Boulder understand that more so than anyone, juveniles need an aggressive defense. Your child’s entire future can be at risk, especially in terms of employment and education. If you are a parent, contact us today at 303-586-1961 to schedule a free 15 minute case evaluation – keeping your child’s record clean and making sure their future is not at risk is imperative and the attorney’s at Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC have your child’s back.
Common Juvenile Crimes in Colorado
Juvenile crimes are those committed by someone under the age of 18.
Generally, juveniles can be charged with the same offenses as adults. Common offenses charged in juvenile delinquency court include:
- Shoplifting or petty theft
- Criminal Mischief (such as vandalism)
- Firearms offenses
- School-related offenses
- Violent crimes, such as assault
- Possession of drugs or alcohol
- Sexual offenses including internet and texting offenses
The main difference between the adult and juvenile criminal systems is the sentencing options available to the court. The juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation and provides for alternative sentencing options such as counseling or education programs. In most juvenile delinquency cases, any incarceration would be served in a juvenile detention center rather than an adult jail or prison.
Juveniles Tried as Adults in Colorado
In certain circumstances, a juvenile may be charged and prosecuted in the adult system. The specific criteria for charging a juvenile in the adult system include the type of offense, and the juvenile’s age and criminal history. If a juvenile case is prosecuted in adult court, the youth will face the harsh penalties usually reserved for adult defendants.
In Colorado, the decision whether a juvenile case may be prosecuted in the adult system is made by a judge, after a hearing where the juvenile’s attorneys present evidence and arguments.
Our juvenile delinquency attorneys have extensive experience in Colorado’s courts working to protect juveniles from adult criminal charges and adult criminal punishments.
Collateral Consequences of a Conviction in Denver and Boulder for a Juvenile Offense
In addition to the penalty imposed by a court, there can also be collateral consequences for juveniles adjudicated in juvenile delinquency court.
A juvenile adjudication can disrupt a child’s schooling, especially if they serve time in juvenile detention. An adjudication can also affect a child’s access to education more generally. Some schools may not accept students with a juvenile record, and many colleges ask applicants to disclose any juvenile convictions.
While many people believe juvenile criminal records “disappear” once someone becomes an adult, this isn’t the case in many states. For example, potential employers and landlords often have access to juvenile records when running background checks. The armed forces also require applicants to disclose any juvenile convictions.
Law enforcement and courts may also access juvenile records when dealing with an adult offender, which can increase both the category of offense they are charged with and the severity of their sentence.
Convictions for certain offenses as a juvenile may also require a defendant to register as a sex offender or restrict them from owning a firearm into adulthood.
Your Rights for Juvenile Arrests in Colorado
Children and their parents or legal guardians have rights when a child is arrested in Colorado or a child is asked questions as a witness in a criminal matter. When a right is violated, this violation can be used as part of your child’s defense strategy. This is one reason why it is critical to speak to a Colorado juvenile defense lawyer in the as soon as possible.
Your Child Has Rights
The U.S. Constitution, as well as most state constitutions, outlines certain rights for each person, whether a juvenile or an adult. These rights include but are not necessarily limited to:
- The right to be free from any unreasonable search and seizure
- The right against self-incrimination
- The right to refuse any questioning
- The right to an attorney during police questioning
Further, when a minor is detained or arrested, the police typically have an obligation to contact a parent or legal guardian, or at least make a reasonable attempt to do so.
Parents Have Rights
As a parent or legal guardian, you have rights in cases where your child has been arrested or detained by the police. Three such rights include:
- The right to be present with your child during questioning
- The right to know the reason your child was arrested or detained
- The right to have or retain an attorney for your child
As a parent or guardian, it is always in your child’s best interest to remain calm. You can request to see your child at any time while the child is in police custody.
Contact a Juvenile Defense Attorney in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins Today
We know that as a parent – and for that matter as a minor – you will have many questions and even more worries and fears during a child’s criminal case. At Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC, our juvenile defense lawyer will sit down with you to explain everything you need to know and keep you informed during the process.
If your child is facing criminal charges as a juvenile, get expert legal counsel to ensure they are treated fairly through the criminal system. Any mistakes could have long-lasting impacts on your child’s life. Call 303-586-1961 to schedule a case evaluation with our juvenile defense attorneys at Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC today.
