What Should You Do?
Immediately contact an experienced juvenile law attorney.
Call Us @: (408) 295-9125
E-mail: skim@stephenkim.com
I - Juvenile law is a specialized field and few criminal lawyers have the
requisite training and experience to handle juvenile cases. The procedures
are far different than adult court. As a result many long time criminal attorneys
who are used to practicing in adult court, commit serious mistakes in juvenile
court. Experience does matter.
The law offices of Stephen H. Kim can do the following:
1) Contact probation officer and D.A
before the juvenile petition is filed.
2) Convince probation not to request
that the petition be filed.
3) Request minors release.
4) Request that probation informally
supervise your child without a petition filed.
5) Suggest to probation a rehabilitation
program to help your child.
6) Convince the D.A not to file charges.
7) Convince the D.A to file lesser charges.
8) If a petition is filed suggest a D.A. continuance to
earn a dismissal.
9) If a petition is filed litigate the case and fight for
a dismissal.
10) Fight to have your child acquitted of all charges at trial.
II - Positive achievements
You should gather all documented positive achievements by your child certificate
of achievement, certificates, etc.
III - Report Cards.
Bring your child's report card. The better the grades the
better the impression for
the court. Probation will ask you for these documents whether you volunteer
them or not.
IV - Reference letters.
Some juvenile judges will want to know whether anyone can vouch for your
child's character. These letters from teachers, church, employers and neighbors
are helpful, and give a balanced viewpoint of your child.
V - Your child should not discuss the facts of case with probation
nor police.
Inform your child not to make any statements until attorney has been consulted
with. Any statement made by your child to either probation or police can
be used against your child in the juvenile court proceeding.
