Prosecutors offer better deals to juveniles with strong attorneys. When prosecutors see our firm representing a young person, they know we’ve prepared thoroughly. They know we’ll file motions challenging the evidence. They know we’ll take the case to trial if necessary. That knowledge changes their approach to plea negotiations.
Silver Law Firm represents young people facing criminal charges in Palo Alto and throughout Santa Clara County. Our attorneys have over 37 years of combined experience in California criminal defense. Win It on Paper, the Rest Is Easy—this philosophy applies to juvenile cases just as it does to adult cases.
Strong preparation leads to better outcomes. Free phone consultations let you discuss your child’s case with a Palo Alto juvenile defense lawyer. Call us to learn about your Palo Alto criminal defense lawyer options.
How Strong Defense Creates Negotiating Leverage
Prosecutors evaluate cases based on trial risk. When they see weak evidence, credibility problems with witnesses, or constitutional violations, they become more willing to negotiate favorable outcomes. Our job is to show them those weaknesses early.
Filing strong motions signals to prosecutors that we’ve found problems with their case. Motion to suppress evidence challenges illegal searches.
If police searched your child’s backpack without consent or probable cause, that motion threatens to eliminate key evidence. Prosecutors know judges sometimes grant suppression motions, which weaken or destroy their case.
This preparation creates leverage. Prosecutors prefer resolving cases through plea deals rather than risking trial losses. When they see we’ve prepared thoroughly, they become more willing to offer diversion, reduced charges, or favorable disposition recommendations.
For a free legal consultation with a juvenile defense lawyer serving Palo Alto, call (510) 995-0000
Diversion Programs and How We Secure Them
Diversion programs allow young people to avoid formal adjudication by completing counseling, community service, or other requirements. Completing diversion results in case dismissal and no permanent record.
Not every case automatically qualifies—our Palo Alto juvenile defense attorneys must advocate for diversion.
Informal Diversion Options
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 court involvement. No petition gets filed. No adjudication occurs.
We advocate for informal diversion by presenting your child’s positive attributes to the probation department. Good grades, community involvement, family support, and lack of prior record all support diversion eligibility. We demonstrate your child’s willingness to take responsibility and complete program requirements.
Formal Diversion and Deferred Entry of Judgment
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. This option preserves the possibility of a clean record.
Deferred entry of judgment allows juveniles to plead guilty to certain charges, then complete a program before sentencing. If they complete the program, the guilty plea is withdrawn and the case is dismissed. Drug possession cases often qualify for deferred entry of judgment.
We negotiate with prosecutors and probation officers to secure diversion when possible. We emphasize rehabilitation potential over punishment.
We present evidence that your child will succeed in treatment or counseling. Our reputation matters here—probation officers and prosecutors trust our assessments of whether juveniles will complete programs successfully.
Palo Alto Juvenile Defense Lawyer Near Me (510) 995-0000
Juvenile Court Process in Palo Alto
Understanding the juvenile court process helps you know what to expect. Juvenile cases move through specific stages, each offering opportunities for defense advocacy.
Detention Hearing and Release
Detention hearings occur within 48 hours of arrest if your child is held in juvenile hall. The court decides whether to release a child to the parents or keep them detained until adjudication. We argue for release by demonstrating family support, lack of flight risk, and community ties.
Most juveniles are released to their parents with conditions. Your child may need to attend school regularly, obey curfews, and avoid contact with alleged victims or co-defendants. Violations of release conditions can result in detention, so following these rules matters.
Jurisdiction Hearing and Disposition
Jurisdiction hearings are equivalent to trials in adult court. The prosecution must prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. We challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present defense evidence. If the court finds the allegations true, the case moves to disposition.
Disposition hearings determine consequences—probation conditions, counseling requirements, community service, or placement outside the home.
We present mitigating evidence and argue for the least restrictive disposition. Our goal is to keep your child at home with family support rather than placing them in group homes or juvenile facilities.
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Potential Consequences for Palo Alto Juvenile Adjudications
If adjudicated in juvenile court, your child could face various dispositions. The consequences depend on the offense severity, your child’s age, and their prior record.
Possible dispositions may include:
- Probation with conditions like counseling, community service, or curfews
- Restitution payments to victims for property damage or losses
- Electronic monitoring and home detention
- Placement in group homes or residential treatment facilities
- Commitment to the Division of Juvenile Justice for serious offenses
- Mandatory school attendance and minimum grade requirements
- Anger management, substance abuse, or mental health treatment
Juvenile adjudications differ from adult convictions. Records can be sealed once your child turns 18 and completes probation successfully. Sealed records don’t appear on background checks for employment or college applications, giving your child a fresh start.
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What Makes Our Palo Alto Juvenile Defense Lawyers Different
Silver Law Firm has served over 10,000 clients throughout California, including many young people in juvenile court. Our approach to juvenile defense focuses on securing the outcomes that protect your child’s future.
Reputation and Relationships
We maintain an excellent reputation among juvenile court judges, prosecutors, and probation officers in Santa Clara County. They know we prepare cases thoroughly.
They know we file strong motions when evidence is weak or constitutional rights are violated. They know we’ll take cases to jurisdiction hearings when plea offers aren’t acceptable.
This reputation creates leverage. When prosecutors see our firm representing a juvenile, they take the case seriously. They know settling fairly is better than risking an unfavorable outcome at trial. Our Simply Brilliant defense isn’t about tricks—it’s about thorough preparation that makes prosecutors respect your case.
Communication and Family Support
All our defense attorneys are completely dedicated to criminal defense, including juvenile cases. We know the Palo Alto area, the Santa Clara County Juvenile Justice Center, and the unique concerns of families in this community. We understand that your child’s future depends on getting this right.
We talk to families within hours—no more than a day after you contact us. Juvenile cases create stress for entire families. You need information quickly about what’s happening and what comes next. We text, email, or call based on your preference.
We don’t seek resolution until we’ve turned over every stone—investigating thoroughly to find the defense strategy that works for your child’s specific situation.
Get Help With Your Palo Alto Juvenile Case Today
Juvenile charges in Palo Alto threaten your child’s future. Early intervention increases the chances of securing diversion rather than formal adjudication. Strong defense preparation creates leverage in negotiations with prosecutors. You need an experienced Palo Alto juvenile defense lawyer who understands how to protect young people’s futures.
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 explain the juvenile court process and answer your questions about what happens next.
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 unapologetic tenacity to work protecting your child’s future.
Call or text (510) 995-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form