Juvenile Crime Attorneys in Orange County

Let Law Office of Michael L. Guisti Defend Your Child's Future

It is the call that every parent dreads. Whether it's from school, another parent, or the police, no one wants to hear that their son or daughter has been arrested. The next few minutes, hours, and days are generally a blur for any family. During this time a variety of concerns and worries are brought up, such as:

• How could have this happened?
• What are our legal options?
• What if they are convicted?
• Do we need an attorney?

If you are currently wrestling with any of these questions after your son or daughter's arrest, contact Law Office of Michael L. Guisti.

We understand the fear and the anxiety that comes with a juvenile arrest. You want nothing more than to keep your child safe from harm – and now they are faced with something that may feel completely out of your control. But, rest assured. Our criminal defense team has the experience and the dedication to help your family get through this difficult situation. We will use every resource to make sure your son or daughter's personal, professional, and educational life goes on uninterrupted.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an OC juvenile crime lawyer to review your case, contact our firm at (714) 530-9690. Remember, your child has rights and we will fight to defend them.

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What Can We Expect in Juvenile Court in Orange County?

When it comes to law enforcement in California, adults and minors are held to the same rules. So, if you are caught with drugs, steal a car, or get a DUI as a minor, the same rules apply to you as they would an adult. Just because an individual is underage DOES NOT change the interpretation of the law. But, when it comes to court proceedings and the actual trial of an accused juvenile offender versus an adult, there are big differences.

In simplest terms, juvenile delinquency courts are designed to promote rehabilitation and education, while adult courts deal primarily in punishment and incarceration. This, of course, is the general idea. In real life it's far more complex.

Juvenile court proceedings fall under California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 602, or as they are more commonly referred to as, "602s." The vast majority of the juvenile process is separate from the California penal system. As a result, juveniles who've been accused of a crime face an entirely different set of circumstances than those one would encounter in adult court. Certain factors, that would otherwise play no role in a courtroom, are taken into consideration during a juvenile delinquency hearing. Some elements that are often weighed by the judge include:

• The age and awareness of the child involved
• Any previous encounters with the law
• The child's ability to be rehabilitated
• The severity of the crime in question
• The minor's overall attitude

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An OC Juvenile Crime Lawyer That Understands and Listens

Because of the differences between the adult and juvenile legal systems, it's important to hire an Orange County criminal defense attorney knowledgeable with juvenile law and Welfare Institution Code (WIC) 725. Law Office of Michael L. Guisti knows the law and has the experience and the track record to back it up. Call today and schedule an appointment for your loved one at (714) 530-9690.

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