Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorney in Fresno

Defending Your Child’s Record

If your child has been charged with a crime, it is important to have a lawyer who can defend your child’s best interests. The legal process can be complicated and confusing, and juvenile cases often involve different goals than adult cases.

As your child’s guardian, you have the right to have a voice in your child’s defense – as a Fresno juvenile crimes attorney and counselor, Martin Gámulin can help your voice be heard.

Contact our Fresno juvenile crime defense lawyer by calling (559) 934-5405 today!

Why an Attorney is Needed for a Juvenile Offense

A Fresno juvenile crimes lawyer will fully explain the charges and help you and your family understand the complex court process in a child’s delinquency case.

Your child is protected by many of the same rights as adult defendants: the right to an attorney, the right to remain silent, and the right to confront accusers in court.

He or she also has the right to be informed of the charges. By reviewing the case, a Fresno juvenile crimes lawyer can determine if your child’s rights were violated in the arrest or during questioning by law enforcement.

Juvenile court in Fresno is designed to focus on the rehabilitation of the child and the future of the juvenile. Its goal is to teach the child that the illegal action was wrong and should not be repeated.

When you work with a juvenile defense attorney Fresno families trust, you are not just hiring someone to appear in court, you are choosing a legal professional who can guide you through each step of the juvenile justice system and help you weigh difficult decisions about admitting responsibility, contesting charges, or pursuing diversion options that may be available under California law.

Because juvenile cases in Fresno County are heard in a separate division from adult criminal matters, it is important to have someone who understands how local probation officers, prosecutors, and judges at the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus typically approach these cases, including what they look for when deciding whether to offer informal probation or other alternatives to more serious consequences.

Types of Juvenile Offenses in Fresno

The following are considered some juvenile offenses:

Drug crimes, including drug possession or drug sales
DUI/DWI
Theft crimes
Assault, battery, or other violent crimes
Unruly conduct at school

Many families are surprised to learn that conduct they think of as “minor” can still lead to a formal petition in juvenile court, school discipline, or even long-term consequences for college and employment, so having a juvenile defense lawyer Fresno parents can turn to helps ensure that every decision is made with a clear understanding of both the immediate and future impact on a child’s record.

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The Fresno Juvenile Court Process

Detention

When children are charged with crimes, they are typically not put in jail. Instead, they are taken to a detention center where a probation officer reviews the allegations. If the probation officer believes the child should remain detained, the case goes before a judge. If a judge decides the child should remain in detention, a “detention hearing” will be held every 15 days to review the case again. In other cases, the judge may let the child go home.

Filing a Petition

If the prosecutor decides to move forward after reviewing the case, he or she will file a “petition” requesting the court to hear the evidence and decide whether the juvenile committed a crime. After reviewing the petition, the judge either will either grant the request or the matter will be dismissed completely, and your child will be free to go.

Involvement of the Parents/Guardians

In many cases, parents and guardians are invited to meet with a probation officer to decide whether informal probation (also called “non-wardship”) or a closed hearing is appropriate. Your participation in this step is crucial, as it gives you a chance to share your questions or concerns with the officers handling the case and learn about what the system has in store for you and your child.

Arraignment

This hearing before a Fresno County court allows the court to formally present the charges to the child. Additionally, the court offers the child and his or her parent or guardian a chance to retain a lawyer (at the child's expense) or seek the appointment of a public defender (if financially eligible). This hearing is crucial, as it is the child's first opportunity to formally respond to the criminal charges. Fresno Law Office of Michael J. Aed will make all reasonable efforts to represent children at the arraignment, but please understand that it may not always be possible to do so, depending on the court's calendar for that day and any other competing cases we may have. Either way, we ask parents or guardians to coordinate with the Fresno Courthouse so that the proceedings run as smoothly as possible.

Pre-trial

The Fresno Office of the District Attorney may request that the Court refer you to the probation office for "informal probation". Informal probation typically has more acceptable conditions than wardship (incarceration). At the end of the allocation, if successful, your case will be terminated and will not appear in the future "background checks" conducted when applying for a job, trying to get credit or reestablish any reasonable opportunity on insurance.

Juvenile Court Hearing

At this hearing, the court will listen to all the evidence and decide if your child is “...a ward of the court.” This is the same as being convicted in adult court, but the case is called a “jurisdictional” or “disposition” hearing in juvenile court.

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A Fresno Juvenile Crimes Attorney Who Works for You

When the Fresno prosecutor understands your concerns and perspective as the legal guardian, it can offer a plea deal to reduce the penalties your child faces. You can also avoid the trauma of a trial.

When you meet with us, we take time to learn about your child’s background, school history, and any prior contact with law enforcement so that we can present a fuller picture to the court and to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, which can be especially important if the case is being heard at the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus or another local facility that handles juvenile matters.

Contact us by calling (559) 934-5405 to set up your consultation with a qualified Fresno juvenile crime defense attorney today!

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Contact The Law Office of Martin H. Gamulin Today!

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Personalized Legal Representation
Our attorneys will work closely with you to develop a legal strategy that is designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Proven Track Record of Success
Our team has secured numerous dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to protect the rights of our clients.
Experienced Representation
We've successfully defended clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including but not limited to dui charges, traffic infractions/violations, and family law services.
Flat-Fee Rate Options and Reasonable Retainers
We offer transparent and accessible legal services with flat-rate fee options and reasonable retainers, ensuring affordability and clarity for our clients.
Limited Scope Representation
We offer invaluable assistance with for clients who are seeking case by case representation in the Fresno and Madera areas.
Hablamos Español
Our team proudly offers services in Spanish to assist our Spanish-speaking community