Juvenile Defense Attorney in Sacramento
Former Prosecutor. 13 Years on the Other Side. Now Fighting for Your Child.
Learning that your child has been arrested, cited, or questioned by police is frightening. You may be worried about court dates, school consequences, and whether this mistake will follow your child for life. You need clear answers from a juvenile defense attorney in Sacramento who understands how these cases work here.
At Law Office of Mathew Martinez, we focus on criminal defense in Sacramento County and represent minors facing juvenile allegations. Our attorney is a former prosecutor with 13 years of prosecution experience and more than 60 jury trials, giving us a direct read on how the district attorney is likely to approach your child’s case at every stage. With more than 20 years of legal experience overall, we work to protect your child’s rights and limit the impact on their record and future opportunities.
Don’t wait to get answers. Call (916) 318-5142 or contact us online to speak with a juvenile defense lawyer in Sacramento. Free consultations are available, and virtual appointments are an option for Sacramento County families.Common Juvenile Charges We Handle in Sacramento
Juvenile charges in Sacramento can carry consequences well beyond the courtroom. Although California’s juvenile system emphasizes rehabilitation, court orders from a sustained petition may affect a child’s education, home life, and future opportunities. In some situations, adjudications may be reviewed by colleges, employers, or immigration authorities, making early legal guidance especially important.
Common juvenile charges we handle in Sacramento include:
- Theft and Shoplifting
- School-Related Fights and Assault Allegations
- Vandalism
- Underage Drinking
- Drug Possession
- Weapons-Related Offenses or Cases Involving Serious Injury
No matter the allegation, the state must prove its case. Early involvement of a juvenile defense attorney allows families to understand their options, avoid harmful missteps, and pursue resolutions that promote accountability while protecting a child’s long-term future.
How California’s Juvenile Justice System Works
California’s juvenile justice system operates under the principle of parens patriae, meaning the court acts as a guardian for the minor. Under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 602, minors who violate a law defining a crime are subject to juvenile court jurisdiction. These proceedings differ from adult court in important ways: there are no “convictions,” only “sustained petitions,” and no “sentences,” only “dispositions.”
We handle cases involving “status offenses” such as truancy or curfew violations, which are only offenses because of the minor’s age, as well as “delinquency acts” that would be crimes if committed by an adult. These range from misdemeanor shoplifting to serious felony allegations.
Senate Bill 382 updated the criteria judges apply when deciding whether to transfer a case to adult court, requiring them to weigh a minor’s cognitive development, maturity, and capacity for rehabilitation before ordering a transfer. Keeping a case in the juvenile system matters: the consequences in adult court are far more severe. Having a Sacramento juvenile defense lawyer who understands these standards is one of the most important advantages a family can have early in the process.
What Sets Us Apart
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Free ConsultationsWe believe everyone deserves access to quality legal guidance, which is why we offer free consultations.
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Trial-Tested RepresentationWith more than 60 jury trials under his belt, Attorney Martinez brings unmatched experience to every case, ensuring you're represented by a seasoned professional.
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Strategic ApproachWe believe in fighting for our clients with unwavering dedication and providing clear, strategic guidance every step of the way.
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Aggressive, Experienced DefenseWith 20+ years of experience, including 13 as a prosecutor, Attorney Martinez is known for his relentless, aggressive defense.
Penalties & Collateral Consequences of a Sustained Petition
The goal of California’s juvenile system is rehabilitation, but the penalties can still be serious. We work to avoid the most restrictive outcomes for your child. 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 mandatory school attendance.
- Camp Community Placement: Commitment to a county-run residential program.
- Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ): The most serious level of confinement, held in a state facility. California is currently transitioning these responsibilities to individual counties.
The collateral consequences are equally serious. A juvenile record can interfere with college applications, eligibility for federal student loans, and employment. Certain “Strike” offenses under California’s Three Strikes Law can follow a minor into adulthood, counting as a prior if they are ever charged with a crime as an adult. When California law allows, we advise families on record sealing and position the minor to pursue that option as the case concludes.
How We Guide Sacramento Families Through Juvenile Court
Juvenile cases in Sacramento County move quickly, and families often feel like they’re trying to catch up. We guide families through each stage, from the first contact with law enforcement through hearings at the Sacramento County Juvenile Courthouse on Kiefer Boulevard.
How Sacramento County Juvenile Cases Proceed
After an arrest or citation, a case is typically referred to the Sacramento County probation department and then to the district attorney’s office. When a minor is held in custody, the district attorney must file a petition within 48 hours of arrest, and a detention hearing must occur within 72 hours of booking. We appear at that detention hearing and argue for release or the least restrictive conditions the court may allow. Sacramento County’s process also includes a distinct Settlement Conference following arraignment, where the defense attorney, deputy district attorney, and judge work to resolve the case before it proceeds to trial.
Thirteen years of prosecution experience informs how we read the district attorney’s likely position at each hearing stage. Knowing how charging decisions are made from the other side of the table helps us prepare more effectively at every step.
What Families Can Expect From Us
We tailor our guidance to your child’s needs and the realities of Sacramento County practice. When we handle a juvenile case, parents can expect us to:
- Review available reports and paperwork, and explain what the allegations actually mean in practical terms.
- Prepare the minor and parent for each hearing, 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 on options such as contesting the allegations, pursuing negotiated outcomes, or seeking diversion programs where available.
Throughout the case, we focus on both immediate goals and long-term impact: avoiding unnecessary detention, limiting probation terms where possible, and keeping both the parent and the minor informed before important decisions are made.
Talk to a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Sacramento
Every juvenile case is different, and the choices made early can shape your child’s options going forward. Speaking with an attorney who knows Sacramento County practice can help your family feel more prepared for what lies ahead.
At Law Office of Mathew Martinez, our former prosecution background guides families through the juvenile process toward outcomes that protect a young person’s rights and future. We’re here to answer your questions, review the paperwork you’ve received, and discuss a plan built around your child’s situation.
To speak with our firm about a juvenile case, call (916) 318-5142 or reach out online now.
Why Sacramento Families Choose Us for Juvenile Defense
When your child is accused of a crime, you’re not just choosing a lawyer. You’re choosing who will stand between your family and the power of the state. Families in Sacramento come to us because our attorney, Mathew Martinez, brings credentials identified in this region: 13 years as a prosecutor and more than 60 jury trials.
That prosecution background has direct, practical value. Mathew understands how charging decisions are made, how plea offers are evaluated, and what factors shape outcomes at each stage of Sacramento County juvenile proceedings, from the probation referral through the Settlement Conference and beyond. We can’t promise specific results, but that inside knowledge helps us identify weaknesses in the state’s case and pursue options that may reduce or contain the consequences for your child.
We also know that communication matters deeply in juvenile cases. Parents often feel left out and unsure of what is happening. Our goal is to keep both you and your child informed about court dates, what to expect at each hearing, and what choices are available. Free consultations are offered, and virtual appointments are available for Sacramento County families who need flexibility.
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Matthew is a great lawyer who understands his client's needs. Took me on when everyone was trying to bring me down. Did not give embellished ideas. Was straight, honest and concise. You can not go wrong Matthew. Thank you sir if I could give you a hundred stars I would.David M.
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Azul A.
I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez. He did everything he could to successfully represent me in court, and consequently, I was able to walk charge free due to Mr. Martinez's persistence. He is incredibly professional and dedicated, and as such, I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez.
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“I myself have worked in legal services for over a decade with my own profession licenses and I rarely if ever come across an individual with his level of caring, attention to detail, and expertise.”Jeffrey H.
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“His experience as a DA puts him ahead of all others. He is a good honest attorney that can be trusted.”Dawn S.
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I would recommend Matt to anyone without hesitation. He went above and beyond to help me in a time of need, ease my nerves about the process and work professionally.Timothy M.
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“I wish there was option to give Mathew more than five stars because he truly deserves it.”Lala G.
