Juvenile Crime Attorney in Contra Costa County
Those under the age of 18 are considered juveniles, and criminal accusations against juveniles are handled differently than they are for adults. In general, juvenile offenses are not penalized as heavily as their adult counterparts, but that does not mean they are “light” by any means. In fact, a juvenile conviction can still have lifelong consequences, meaning that any and all charges should still be taken seriously.
The Horowitz juvenile defense team recognizes that a juvenile criminal charge that is elevated to the adult system will severe hamper any future plans for school, career and ultimately family. The office is tough. We do not baby teenagers who get arrest. If your child wants an excuse maker, find a different lawyer. What we offer hard negotiation skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the Office of the District Attorney, the victims and social service providers to attempt to fashion a resolution that meets the needs of all involved.
A fair resolution is not always possible as even reasonable people may sometimes be unable to bridge certain gaps. If that is the case, our juvenile defense lawyers are among the most experienced trial lawyers in California. We will provide the best defense and the best opportunity for a positive courtroom outcome.
Contact us at (925) 291-5388 to talk to our attorney or schedule a consultation.
California’s Juvenile Justice System
Juvenile crimes, often referred to as “delinquency” or “delinquent acts,” encompass a broad range of offenses. While youth are subject to the same criminal code as adults are, certain criminal offenses are far more common and prevalent than others. These offenses can vary widely, from minor infractions to more serious felonies.
Common juvenile crimes include:
- Violent crimes
- Drug crimes
- Theft crimes
- Domestic violence
- Firearm offenses
- Gang-related crimes
In general, when a youth offender is arrested, the DA’s office will petition the court regarding the offense. If the accusations are for an offense that is only illegal because the accused is a minor (such as a curfew violation, skipping school, or running away), then the offense will be considered a status offense. If the offense is for something that would be considered criminal at any age, then the case changes.
Cases will often go through several hearings before reaching trial, and these hearings can have a significant impact on how a case is tried, as well as what the potential ramifications are for a conviction. A skilled attorney can advocate on behalf of their client, helping them potentially avoid lifelong consequences that can follow them even after they reach adulthood.
Contact Our Team
Juvenile crimes carry unique challenges and require a distinct approach in the legal system. At the Law Office of Daniel Horowitz, we are dedicated to understanding, defending, and supporting our youth as they navigate the complexities of the juvenile justice system.
Call us at (925) 291-5388 to schedule a consultation.
Penalties for Juvenile Offenses
Contra Costa County's juvenile court system prioritizes rehabilitation over punitive measures, offering various penalties that focus on support and growth. With the help of a juvenile crime lawyer, juveniles can navigate this distinct legal landscape and work toward rehabilitation and a promising future.
The penalties for a conviction are generally more lenient in the case of juveniles. Status offenses, for example, will typically not carry any jail time, and will typically not remain on the accused’s record once they reach the age of 18. However, they can result in fines, restitution to victims, and having the juvenile’s driver’s license suspended. Depending on the offense, a conviction could also require the offender to attend a counseling or education program.
Misdemeanor and felony offenses could carry the following penalties:
- Detention in a juvenile justice facility
- Probation
- Being placed in foster care
- Being sent to a Youth Authority facility
According to the California Department of Justice, over 47% of all juvenile arrests were for felony offenses, over 46% were for misdemeanor offenses, and just over 6% were for status offenses in the year 2021. While felony offenses would typically include a prison sentence, large fines, and other penalties for adult offenders, juvenile offenders are often subject to reduced consequences.
However, merely being under the age of 18 does not guarantee that your offense will be charged in the juvenile justice system. In particularly serious cases, such as accusations of a violent crime or certain sexual offenses, it is not uncommon for the case to be transferred to the California criminal court, often referred to as “being tried as an adult.” In these cases, many of the protections that are afforded to juvenile alleged offenders are waived, and convictions could carry tremendous consequences that could impact someone for the rest of their life.
Certified Criminal Defense Specialist
Daniel Horowitz is a certified criminal defense specialist. On high stakes cases Daniel works with Dan Russo and Carmela Caramagno who are also certified criminal defense specialists. This title is not self created. It is a designation of criminal defense achievement issued by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. There are thousands of criminal defense lawyers, thousands of federal defense lawyers but only several hundred State Bar certified specialists.
Client Testimonials
Contra Costa County Location - National Reputation for Excellence
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I can not say enough about Mr. Horowitz and his staff. Brook was amazing to myself and my family. My case was very unique. He believed in me and listened to what I had to say. I highly recommend him and his staff. Yvett Bline- Yvett Bline
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Dan Horowitz handled my complex business issue with magnanimity, compassion, care, promptness, and utmost professionalism. I'm an Attorney and would highly recommend him to other professionals (and others alike) because he's the very BEST at what he does and has an uncanny knack at finding unique resolutions with unparalleled speed and efficiency. What is quite outatanding is that he treats each client with kindness and compassion as if a family member- Lovely K.
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I cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding legal services provided by Daniel Horowitz. He not only possesses an in-depth understanding of the law but also demonstrated a genuine commitment to me. He took the time to listen attentively to my concerns, providing clear and concise explanations of the legal processes involved in my case. He made me feel heard and supported during this tumultuous time. What impressed me most was his unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for me. The attention to detail and strategic approach to my case were evident at every stage. I am eternally grateful towards Daniel for what he has done for me and I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone seeking legal representation. Thank you Dan- Kento T.
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Daniel and his team did an excellent job. He was always readily available to take my call and provided peace of mind through a stressful situation.- Reid V.
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My experience with Dan was great. I appreciate the knowledge Dan has and the professionalism they exhibit. I would highly recommend the Law Office Of Daniel Horowitz. My family and I are truly grateful we worked with him.- Brandon D.
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There are lawyers and then there are real lawyers. Dan Horowitz is a real lawyer in every since of the word. Dan is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. You will not find very many attorneys having such recognition especially one that hits on all cylinders as Dan. In addition to his knowledge of the law and his experience, which I found to be unmatched, i appreciated the fact that he at all times is genuine, which for me says it all. Thank you Dan.- Cory N.
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“The Best Attorney I Could Have Asked For.”- Katherine Ryken
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Dan Horowitz was the best attorney I could have asked for during a difficult time in my career. From the moment I met him, I felt believed, respected, and safe. He and his team were endlessly responsive and empathetic to me and my family. He fought for my case day and night, always keeping my best interests at the forefront of his mind. As I learned from Dan, it is never a good time in one’s life to need legal representation - but if you need it, Dan is your person, your advocate, and your best friend. We are forever grateful for his tireless commitment to justice for the people.- Katherine R.