Crime is a major concern in the City of Santa Ana, where nightly news programs often begin their broadcasts with accounts of the day’s most violent crimes, much of which is committed by minors. If your child has been arrested, call Orange County criminal defense attorney Ms. Johnson-Norris right away at (949) 628-6122.
Some of the most common charges that constitute delinquent acts that those under the age of eighteen are most often charged with include underage drinking and underage purchasing of alcohol and/or cigarettes. Although these are all serious charges, the court system for minors exists because we recognize that children do not have the same ability as adults to process their actions and their respective consequences. Therefore, in most cases involving those under the age of eighteen, these cases are handled through the court system for minors. However, with certain cases involving more severe crimes, such as rape or murder, minors could also be tried in adult court. There are many distinctions between the court process for minors and the criminal justice system for those over the age of eighteen. For one, the primary goal of proceedings involving minors is to rehabilitate the child and help them change their life for the better. On the other hand, with the adult criminal system, because adults have a more developed mind and have matured, the actions taken are often deliberately intended to punish them for their wrongful actions. A minor may be rehabilitated through counseling and therapy to help them make better choices for the long run.
When your child is arrested, there are a variety of things the police can do. They can make a record of the arrest and let your child go home, or they can send your child to an agency that will shelter, care for, or counsel your child. Sometimes they will make your child come to the police station, or may give you and your child a “Notice to Appear.”
However, before the police talk to your child about anything, they must advise your child of their legal rights, including the right to remain silent, that anything they say may be used against them in court, and the right to an attorney. This is why you’ll need the services of a Santa Ana juvenile delinquency defense attorney, a lawyer who is prepared to represent minors throughout the court process.
As the parent of the child, you have rights, too. The police must inform you as soon as your child is taken into custody and must tell you where your child is and what rights your child has. However, as a parent or guardian, you also have legal responsibilities, including financial responsibility for any damage caused by your child or paying restitution to the victim for losses they may incur.
Orange County juvenile delinquency defense lawyer Ms. Johnson-Norris has successfully earned a reputation as an outstanding advocate with a proven track record for her clients. She has the knowledge and experience that get results following the arrest of a minor accused of a crime in Santa Ana.
