Juvenile Cases

Washington state is renowned for its amazing cities, breathtaking landscapes, and commitment to continued community development. It also offers a unique framework when it comes to how they handle juvenile cases within the state. With a big focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, the state’s juvenile justice system looks to address the needs of these young offenders while still ensuring to protect public safety.

However, navigating this system alone may leave you feeling overwhelmed. This is where we need to highlight the value and importance of having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side.

Juvenile cases typically refer to matters that involve individuals under the age of 18 who are accused of committing a crime or engaging in unlawful behavior. Usually, these cases are handled in the juvenile justice system, which is separate from the adult criminal justice system in the state. In Washington, the main focus of juvenile cases is rehabilitation and addressing the underlying causes of delinquent behavior rather than imposing harsh penalties.

There are many types of juvenile cases you may find yourself dealing with at one time or another, but they all usually fall into one of the following categories:

• Delinquency Cases: These involve minors who have been accused of acts that would be considered crimes if they were committed by an adult, like theft, vandalism, drug offenses, and assault.
• Status Offenses: These behaviors aren’t considered crimes for adults but are seen as unlawful for minors. Some examples of status offenses include truancy, underage drinking, curfew violations, and running away from home.
• Dependency Cases: These involve situations where a minor is neglected, abused, or in need of protection. It usually leads to court intervention to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Traffic Cases: When juveniles are convicted of traffic violations like reckless driving or driving without a license, these convictions are also handled in the juvenile justice system.
• Violent Offenses: If a juvenile is convicted of a more violent crime like robbery or homicide, the case may be escalated to adult court, depending on the crime’s severity.

Key Statutes That Govern Juvenile Cases in Washington

Many laws and statutes form the foundation for Washington’s juvenile justice system. Here are some of the primary ones to take note of:

• Juvenile Justice Act of 1977 (RCW 13.40): This act governs how juvenile offenses are handled. They stress accountability and rehabilitation with some provisions written in for community-based interventions and other alternatives to jail time for the juvenile.
• Youth Rehabilitation Programs: There are programs under the Office of Juvenile Justice that help prevent recidivism. This includes mentorship initiatives, mental health counseling, and education plans that can be easily tailored to the unique needs of the individual.
• Jurisdiction of Juvenile Court (RCW 13.04.030): This statute says that juvenile courts hold exclusive jurisdiction over cases that involve offenders who are still under the age of 18. The only exception to this is if it is a more serious offense that should be escalated to adult court.
• Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020): While harassment is commonly associated with adult offenders, there are some of these case types in juvenile court. This statute defines what harassment is and its penalties.
• Drug Offenses (RCW 69.50.401): The drug statutes in Washington also extend to juveniles. This statute addresses possession, distribution, and intent to distribute controlled substances.

Some of the more common juvenile cases you may encounter in Washington include theft and shoplifting, drug and alcohol violations, assault and harassment, and traffic violations. But with family involvement and community support, there is a great deal done to reach successful resolutions in each juvenile justice case the courts see.

A Unique Landscape for Western Washington

Western Washington is more than just a legal jurisdiction; this region is often celebrated for its value and commitment to the well-being of each community. This all extends to the juvenile justice system as you can clearly see.

Home to famous landmarks likeMount Rainier,Puget Sound, andOlympic National Park, this area of the world provides residents and visitors alike with a serene backdrop for personal growth and reflection.

Its restorative justice practices that ultimately bring together victims, offenders, and community members help to repair harm and mitigate future offenses from occurring.

How Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington Offer Juveniles Second Chances

A criminal defense attorney specializing in juvenile cases is so much more than just a legal advocate. They also serve as a mentor and advisor as they help minors navigate the rocky road of the justice system.

The juvenile court system operates differently than adult courts. Attorneys familiar with these processes can identify the best avenue for their juvenile clients to take. Juvenile detention is also not the only option for minors being charged with a crime. There are alternatives like counseling, educational programs, and even community service that help keep the minor’s record protected along with their future.

Our criminal defense attorneys believe that even the toughest juvenile justice cases can be successfully challenged with the right defense strategies in place. In some cases, you may find the prosecutors attempt to charge a juvenile as an adult. Our defense attorneys can argue against this and highlight the minor’s ability to reform while also presenting compelling evidence showing that rehabilitation will do more good than punishment.

Your family doesn’t have to fight juvenile cases alone. Speak with our experienced criminal defense attorneys today to see how we can help.

If your child is being accused of committing a crime, it is extremely important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible.

For many parents, when hearing what their child is accused of doing, they think a punishment will teach their child a lesson. They might feel it would be appropriate to simply make the child face the music. While their heart might be in the right place, parents must also take into consideration all of the other consequences stemming from a criminal charge.

A criminal case can impact your child for years to come. It could prevent him or her from getting into the college of choice, getting a job, and even finding a place to live. A youthful mistake could haunt your child for the rest of his or her life.

If your child is accused of a crime, it may be handled by the government in a variety of different ways. Depending on the accused crime, the case may be filed in a standard state district or superior court, or in a local municipal court. In other instances, the case could be filed in a juvenile court. Juvenile Court is different than the “adult” court. The Juvenile court’s goals are more closely related to treatment and rehabilitation, as opposed to punitive in nature. On some occasions, community diversion programs are available to youths as well. The child and parent(s) are given the opportunity to sit and speak before a community panel about the accusations and the level of punishment the child should receive.

Whether your child is going to be charged as an adult, as a juvenile, or is facing a community panel, it is important to have an attorney guide you and your child through the process. Give our office a call if you would like to discuss your child’s case with an experienced Washington criminal defense lawyer.