Police say the witness identified your child. What they don’t mention is that the identification procedure violated California law. The witness saw your child in handcuffs first, then picked them from a lineup. That’s suggestive identification, and it can be challenged. Evidence in juvenile cases isn’t always as solid as prosecutors claim.
Silver Law Firm represents young people facing criminal charges in Dublin and throughout Alameda County. Juvenile cases differ from adult criminal cases in significant ways—different courts, different procedures, and different outcomes. Our attorneys have over 37 years of combined experience in California criminal defense.
Unapologetic tenacity drives our approach to protecting young people’s futures. We offer free phone consultations so you can discuss your child’s case with a Dublin juvenile defense lawyer. Call us to learn about your Dublin criminal defense lawyer options.
How Juvenile Cases Differ from Adult Cases
Juvenile court focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The goal is to correct behavior and give young people opportunities to change. This fundamental difference affects everything about how cases are handled.
Different Terminology and Procedures
Juveniles are not “convicted” of crimes—they are “adjudicated.” They don’t face “sentencing”—they receive “dispositions.” These aren’t just word games. The distinction matters because juvenile adjudications can be sealed, while adult convictions remain public records. A sealed record gives young people a fresh start.
Alameda County has a separate juvenile justice center with judges who specialize in cases involving minors. These judges understand adolescent development and focus on rehabilitation programs rather than automatically imposing jail time. The court atmosphere is less formal than that of an adult criminal court, though the consequences remain serious.
For a free legal consultation with a juvenile defense lawyer serving Dublin, call (510) 995-0000
Challenging Evidence in Dublin Juvenile Cases
Evidence in juvenile cases can be challenged just like evidence in adult cases. Police make mistakes. Witnesses misidentify suspects. Evidence gets collected improperly. We examine every piece of evidence prosecutors plan to use against your child.
Eyewitness Identification Problems
Eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable, especially when identifying juveniles. Adults struggle to distinguish between young people of similar ages and appearances. Cross-racial identifications are even less reliable. Memory fades quickly, and witnesses fill gaps with assumptions.
Police identification procedures must follow strict rules. Lineups should include people who look similar to the suspect. Photo arrays should be presented carefully without suggesting which person the police believe committed the crime. When police violate these rules, identifications become unreliable and can be suppressed.
We examine how witnesses identified your child. Did police show them a single photo and ask, “Is this the person?” That’s impermissibly suggestive.
Did the witness see your child in handcuffs before the lineup? That creates bias. These procedural flaws give us grounds to challenge identification evidence.
Statements to Police and Miranda Rights
Juveniles are particularly vulnerable during police interrogation. They want to cooperate. They believe explaining their side will help. They don’t understand that anything they say can be used against them, but their explanations cannot help them at trial.
Miranda warnings matter even more for juveniles. Police must ensure young people understand their rights. A 14-year-old who says “yes” to “Do you understand your rights?” may not actually understand. Courts examine whether juveniles truly comprehended what they were waiving.
We challenge statements obtained through improper interrogation. Did police question your child without a parent present? Did they continue interrogating after your child asked for a lawyer? Did they use deceptive tactics to obtain a confession? Any of these violations can lead to suppression of statements.
Dublin Juvenile Defense Lawyer Near Me (510) 995-0000
Diversion Programs and Alternative Outcomes
Juvenile court offers options unavailable in adult court. Diversion programs allow young people to avoid formal adjudication by completing counseling, community service, or other requirements. Successfully completing diversion results in case dismissal and no permanent record.
Types of Diversion Available
Informal diversion happens before charges are filed. The probation department supervises the juvenile for a set period—typically six months. If the young person stays out of trouble and completes requirements, the case closes without ever going to court. No petition is filed. No adjudication occurs.
Formal diversion occurs after a petition is filed but before adjudication. The court defers proceedings while the juvenile completes program requirements. Once completed successfully, the petition is dismissed. The case doesn’t result in an adjudication or permanent record.
Deferred entry of judgment allows juveniles to plead guilty to certain charges, then complete a program before sentencing. If they successfully complete the program, the guilty plea is withdrawn and the case is dismissed. This option applies to specific charges like drug possession.
Eligibility Requirements
Not every case qualifies for diversion. Serious violent offenses typically don’t qualify. Juveniles with extensive prior records may not be eligible. But many first-time offenses and even some repeat offenses can qualify for diversion if we advocate effectively.
Our Dublin juvenile defense lawyers will assess your child’s eligibility for diversion programs. We emphasize your child’s positive attributes—good grades, community involvement, and family support. We argue for diversion rather than formal adjudication whenever possible.
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Potential Consequences for Dublin Juvenile Adjudications
If adjudicated in juvenile court, your child could face various dispositions. The sentence depends on the offense, your child’s age, and their prior record.
Possible dispositions may include:
- Probation with conditions like counseling, community service, or curfews
- Placement in a group home or residential treatment facility
- Commitment to the Division of Juvenile Justice for serious offenses
- Electronic monitoring and home detention
- Restitution payments to victims
- Mandatory school attendance and grade requirements
These consequences affect your child’s immediate freedom and daily life. However, juvenile adjudications are not permanent convictions.
Records can be sealed once your child turns 18 and completes probation successfully, giving them a clean slate for college applications and employment.
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What Makes Silver Law Firm Unique
Silver Law Firm has served over 10,000 clients throughout California, including many young people facing juvenile charges. We understand what’s at stake for juveniles—not just immediate consequences but also their entire futures.
Our Approach to Juvenile Defense
All our Dublin juvenile defense attorneys are completely dedicated to criminal defense, including juvenile cases. We know the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center, the judges who hear these cases, and the probation officers who make recommendations. This familiarity helps us advocate effectively for your child.
We don’t seek resolution until we’ve turned over every stone. We review all evidence thoroughly—police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and social media posts. We look for inconsistencies, constitutional violations, and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Young people make mistakes, but those mistakes shouldn’t define their futures.
Communication with Families
We talk to families within hours—no more than a day after you contact us. Juvenile cases move quickly, and parents need information to make decisions about their child’s defense. We text, email, or call based on your preference.
We explain legal terms in plain language because you shouldn’t need a law degree to understand what’s happening to your child. We maintain an excellent reputation among courts and probation officers in Dublin and throughout Alameda County.
When we advocate for diversion or alternative programs, our recommendations carry weight. Prosecutors know we prepare thoroughly. Judges know we file strong motions when constitutional rights are violated.
Get Help From the Dublin Juvenile Defense Lawyers at Silver Law Firm
Juvenile charges in Dublin threaten your child’s future. Early intervention makes a difference in whether your child faces adjudication or qualifies for diversion. You need an experienced Dublin juvenile defense lawyer who understands both the law and adolescent development.
Silver Law Firm offers free phone consultations to discuss your child’s juvenile case. Call us today to speak with an attorney about the charges, potential defenses, and diversion options. We’ll answer your questions and explain the next steps in language you can understand.
Don’t wait to get help. The earlier we start working on your child’s case, the better the chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Contact Silver Law Firm now and let us put our Simply Brilliant approach to work protecting your child’s future.
Call or text (510) 995-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form