Learn How an Alameda County Juvenile Defense Lawyer Can Help
When young people are accused of breaking the law, they usually do not go through the same justice system as adults. Although there are extra protections for juveniles, that does not mean the outcomes of these cases cannot have a lasting effect on their lives.
If a juvenile in your life has been arrested or charged with a crime, the team at Berkowitz Law can help. We understand how these cases can shape a child’s future, and we are prepared to work tirelessly to help you get the best possible outcome. Reach out to an Alameda County juvenile defense attorney today.
Common Juvenile Offenses
People under 18 may face a wide range of criminal charges. Some of the most common offenses include:
Theft
Many juvenile cases involve property crimes such as petty theft or shoplifting. While these may seem minor, the theft of another person’s property is a serious offense.
Vandalism
Graffiti and property damage are prevalent juvenile offenses. These cases can involve damage to public or private property, and the consequences become more serious based on the extent of the damage.
Assault and Battery
Violent crimes are some of the most serious offenses juveniles can face. These charges can vary, from fights in school to violent attacks in public. When the other party involved is seriously injured, the consequences can be steep.
Drug and Alcohol Offenses
It should come as no surprise that many arrests of juveniles involve the use of drugs or alcohol. Merely possessing these substances is enough for a charge, but selling or manufacturing is a felony offense.
Differences Between Juvenile and Adult Criminal Cases
While juvenile and adult criminal cases share similarities, the systems are built around different goals. Juvenile law emphasizes rehabilitation, whereas adult criminal law prioritizes punishment. This distinction shapes how the state might pursue a case against the juvenile in your life.
Juvenile cases are heard in separate courts explicitly designed for minors. Judges have greater discretion to impose alternatives, such as counseling, treatment programs, or educational requirements, rather than lengthy detention. Information about cases is generally shielded from the public to protect a minor’s privacy.
The juvenile system also uses different terms. Minors are not “convicted” but “adjudicated.” Instead of a “sentence,” courts impose a “disposition.” The records of these cases are also generally sealed once complete. This provides young people with the opportunity to move forward without a permanent criminal record, a benefit not typically available in adult court.
In certain serious cases, a juvenile may be transferred to adult court, where penalties are harsher and records are permanent. Factors influencing transfer include the minor’s age, criminal history, and the severity of the alleged crime.
While adults face fines and prison terms, juveniles may be ordered to attend counseling, complete community service, or participate in rehabilitation programs. The goal is to redirect behavior rather than impose long-term incarceration, though juvenile detention remains an option for serious or repeated offenses.
Talk to Berkowitz Law Today
There is no time to waste when it comes to protecting the juvenile in your life from criminal charges. Reach out to an Alameda County juvenile defense lawyer to discuss your options.