Juvenile Defense Attorney in Sacramento

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Juvenile Charges

While the goal of the California juvenile system is rehabilitation, the penalties can still be severe. A Sacramento juvenile crime lawyer from our firm will work tirelessly to avoid the most restrictive outcomes. Direct consequences of a sustained petition can include:

• Informal Probation: Under Section 654, the minor may be placed on supervision without a formal court filing if they complete certain requirements.
• Formal Probation: The minor remains at home but must follow strict court-ordered conditions, such as drug testing or school attendance.
• Camp Community Placement: Commitment to a county-run residential program.
• Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ): The most serious level of confinement in a state facility (though California is currently transitioning these responsibilities to the counties).

The collateral consequences are equally daunting. A juvenile record can interfere with college applications, eligibility for federal student loans, and future employment opportunities. Furthermore, certain "Strike" offenses under California’s Three Strikes Law can follow a minor into adulthood, counting as a prior conviction if they are ever charged with a crime as an adult.

How We Help In Sacramento Juvenile Court

Juvenile cases in Sacramento County often move quickly, and parents may feel like they are trying to catch up. We guide families through each stage of the process, from the first contact with law enforcement to later hearings at the Sacramento County Juvenile Courthouse. Our aim is to make sure you are not walking into any hearing unprepared or unsure of what to expect.

After an arrest or citation, a case may be referred to the probation department and then to the district attorney’s office. Depending on the facts and the minor’s history, the case might be filed in the local juvenile court. There may be an initial hearing where the judge reviews the allegations, decides whether the minor will be released or detained, and sets future dates. We work to understand the specific facts and background that the court will consider at these early stages.

At each hearing, we explain to families what the court will generally be focusing on, such as whether the minor should remain at home, whether services are needed, or whether the case should move toward a contested hearing or settlement. Our former prosecutor background helps us anticipate the questions the district attorney may raise and to prepare your child to respond appropriately when necessary.

When we handle a juvenile case, parents can typically expect us to:

• Review available reports and paperwork, and discuss what the allegations actually mean in practical terms.
• Prepare the minor and parent for court hearings, including what the judge may ask and how to address the court respectfully.
• Communicate with the prosecutor or probation officer when appropriate, to understand their position and explore possible resolutions.
• Advise you about options such as contesting the allegations, considering negotiated outcomes, or seeking diversion-type programs where available.

Throughout the case, we focus on both the immediate goals and the future impact. That may include working to avoid unnecessary detention, limiting probation terms where possible, and positioning your child to seek record sealing when the law allows. Every situation is different, and we tailor our guidance to your child’s needs and the realities of Sacramento County practice.

Talk To Our Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Sacramento

Every juvenile case is unique, and the choices you make early on can shape your child’s options going forward. Speaking with a juvenile defense attorney who understands Sacramento County practice can help you feel more in control and better prepared for what lies ahead.

At Law Office of Mathew Martinez, our former prosecutor uses that background to guide families through the juvenile process and to work toward outcomes that protect a young person’s rights and future. We are here to answer your questions, review the paperwork you have received, and discuss a plan tailored to your child’s situation.

To talk with our firm about a juvenile case, call (916) 318-5142 or reach out online now.