Do you have a child who is facing criminal charges in Colorado? If so, it is important to find a skilled Colorado criminal defense attorney. Juvenile criminal cases are treated differently than adult criminal cases. However, some severe juvenile cases are tried in Colorado’s criminal courts. No matter what your situation is or which legal stage your case is currently in, a skilled attorney can help you determine the best course of action.
At Lehr Defense Law, I have experience assisting adult and youths and their families. I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of Colorado’s court systems. Juvenile criminal charges can have a significant impact on the future of a young person. Don’t let a legal mistake get in the way of your child’s bright future! Call today at (720) 885-5188.
About Juvenile Defense in Colorado
In Colorado, any minor under the age of 18 years old accused of criminal behavior can be tried in Juvenile Court. In serious cases, children could even be tried as adults. In situations like these, an experienced criminal defense attorney is highly recommended.
Juveniles can face the same kinds of criminal charges as adults. Charges including assault, disturbing the peace, theft, minor in possession of alcohol, and drug charges are common among minors in Colorado.
Your juvenile criminal defense attorney can help you find the best strategies to get charges reduced or dropped. Therefore, if you are the parent of a minor who is being charged in juvenile or criminal court, it is always wise to retain a skilled lawyer.
Can juvenile offenders avoid prosecution in court?
Juvenile offenders can sometimes avoid prosecution by participating in certain diversion programs and correctional activities. However, for these programs to be available, certain case terms must be met.
As such, it is helpful to have an experienced defender on your side. Your juvenile defense attorney can explain to the court or prosecutor why a child should be cleared of charges or allowed to participate in diversion programs.
How is the Juvenile Justice System different from criminal court in Colorado?
The Juvenile Court system in Colorado handles cases involving defendants who are under the age of 18 at the time an alleged crime is committed. Alternatively, those who are over the age of 18 at the time that alleged crimes occur are charged in adult Criminal Court.
In Juvenile Court, the focus is primarily on preventing recurrences of criminal behaviors and redirecting the paths of minors. Juvenile Court priorities include diversion, prevention, and rehabilitation.
What happens when a minor gets arrested?
The arrest process for juveniles in Colorado varies depending on the severity of any alleged crimes committed. If a minor under 18 is arrested in Colorado, police officers will usually notify the legal guardians or parents as soon as possible.
If it is determined that a juvenile must remain incarcerated, the Colorado Juvenile Court system will hold a detention hearing. During hearing proceedings, a judge will decide if there is enough cause to continue the detainment of the youth.
Can minors post bail in Colorado?
No, if a juvenile is being detained in a Colorado jail, a judge will be allowed to decide whether to keep detaining them or release them rather than require a monetary bail, such as in adult court.
What is juvenile supervised pretrial release?
If a judge chooses to release a minor, it may be on pretrial release. Supervised pretrial release is similar to supervised probation. With a supervised pretrial release, juveniles must meet certain terms until they go to court.
Terms of pretrial release may include:
- Rehabilitation
- Random drug testing
- GPS / ankle monitor
- Home visits
- House arrest
Juvenile defendants who violate the terms of their supervised pretrial release risk being detained in a juvenile detention center. They will then remain in the juvenile detention center until the outcome of their case is decided.
How can you get a child out of a juvenile detention center?
After a child’s arrest, they will receive their first hearing known as the detention hearing. At this time, your juvenile defense attorney can argue for a minor’s pretrial release from a juvenile detention center. A judge will be more likely to grant your minor release from a detention center if certain conditions are met.
A child will be more likely to get released from a juvenile detention center if:
- They have a stable and safe home environment
- The child is known for following household rules
- The alleged offense does not justify incarceration
- There are legal guardians or family members available to look after a minor
- The juvenile offender previously had no criminal record
- The child is not at risk of running away from home
- The youth is likely to show up for future court dates
Sometimes, a judge will initially decide to continue detaining a minor. However, your defense attorney can always request that the judge reconsider releasing the minor later.
Lehr Defense takes a holistic approach to juvenile cases. Avery develops mitigation and works with social workers and investigators to present the full picture of juvenile clients’ lives. She believes that juvenile offenses should not ruin the future of children. Let her work hard to defend you in court now! Call today to schedule a case consultation and find out if and how she can assist you.
Need a Colorado Juvenile Defense Attorney? Call Lehr Defense LLC!
Having an experienced juvenile defense attorney on your side can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your child’s criminal allegations.
Call Lehr Defense LLC for a Juvenile Defense Consultation at (720) 885-5188.