Juvenile Offenses

Orange County Juvenile Defense

Juvenile Delinquency ▪ Dependency ▪ Sealing Records for Offenders under 18

Juvenile defense in criminal cases involves understanding the purported purpose of California's juvenile justice system. We value our children, and we understand that people under 18 are often more impulsive or more easily influenced than adults. Committing a crime when you are young does not necessarily reflect on your character or your future.

As a result, most underage offenders are tried in juvenile courts, which are geared primarily toward rehabilitation. Although young people are charged with the same criminal offenses as adults, having their cases handled in the juvenile courts means:

• Protection from much of the publicity adult criminal defendants can face
• Provisions for sealing records of youthful offenses so they cannot be used against the defendant later
• Sentencing to juvenile facilities instead of adult prisons
• Other flexible sentencing options focused on ending criminal behavior

Juvenile court judges are tough but fair, but their goal is to help young people get back on track. More and more frequently, however, serious or violent felonies committed by young people are being tried in adult courts.

When you or your son or daughter is accused of a crime, their future is on the line. If juvenile offenses are not handled appropriately and resolved positively, you or your child could have a negative and public criminal record for life that could affect job opportunities, acceptance into college, financial aid, eligibility to join the armed forces and availability of credit.

I am a California criminal defense trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience in juvenile defense. At the law firm of Barney B. Gibbs, Attorney at Law in Tustin, I defend young people across Southern California who are accused of juvenile delinquency. I have handled over 2,000 criminal cases and more than 100 jury trials.

If you or your child is facing a criminal charge, contact me now for a free consultation. I am available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, and I can meet you in jail.

I handle juvenile felony and misdemeanor charges in juvenile or adult courts, including:

• DUI/DWI and minor consumption of alcohol
• Drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, cigarette smoking, drug distribution, trafficking, cultivation, or manufacturing, including gang-related drug activity
• Shoplifting, vandalism, or theft
• Assault and battery
• Domestic violence on parents, siblings, or romantic partners
• Sex crimes
• Probation violations

Juvenile Defense and Alternative Sentencing

The juvenile courts understand that some of the factors leading to juvenile delinquency include substance abuse, gang membership, poor school performance, and family problems. Sentencing is often geared towards solving these underlying problems so you can get back on track.

Sentencing options can include diversionary programs or probation, where the criminal charge or sentence is put aside as long as the juvenile completes court-ordered treatment, restitution, or community service programs.

My goal is always to keep your or your child's record clear of any black marks that may hinder his or her future. We always seek expungements or sealing juvenile records when you or your child reaches the age of 18.

Defend yourself or your child from charges of juvenile delinquency, and make sure criminal behavior does not destroy a young life. To schedule a free consultation about your legal options, contact me through this Web site.