Juvenile Cases

SLI - Arrested teenager with handcuffs

Preserve the freedom and future of your child through effective legal support.

While experimenting with life is part of being a teenager, one grave mistake can jeopardize one’s future—education, relationships, and career opportunities. Juvenile conviction is common in Colorado, and it causes a lot of fear, tension, and confusion for the families involved. Without legal guidance, convicted children can face detention facilities, heavy fines, and even be tried as an adult.

Because of juvenile conviction’s far-reaching effects, the court of Colorado recognized the need for a different system—the juvenile system—where charges against teens are geared towards rehabilitation rather than punishment. At Snowmass Law, we have a criminal defense attorney who works vigorously to ensure that minors’ rights are protected during legal disputes.

With more than two decades of experience and broad expertise, we save minors from the severe consequences of criminal charges. We have seen firsthand how juvenile conviction can affect a child’s life, so we offer representation to alleviate the pressure of this type of conviction and guide clients toward favorable results.

Facing Juvenile Crimes in Colorado

In Colorado, crimes committed by minors between the ages of 10 to 18 are generally termed “juvenile delinquency.” These criminal acts can involve:

  • Truancy
  • Curfew Violations
  • Underage Possession of Illegal Substances
  • Underage Drinking
In the case of drug-related crimes, such as possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, advertisement or selling of controlled substances, and driving under the influence, minors can be penalized more severely than other juvenile offenses. There are also rare occasions when teens as young as 12 years old may be prosecuted as an adult, especially those charged with higher classes of felony crimes.

Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in Colorado

Under the Juvenile Justice System, young offenders may face penalties, including:

  • Fines
  • Detention
  • Probation and Supervised Work Programs
  • Obligation to the Community Accountability Programs
  • Restitution
  • Outside Home Placement

Aside from the penalties imposed by the court, juvenile offenders, depending on the exhibited degree of criminal sophistication, are also restricted to:

  • possess or carry firearms;
  • access public benefits like food stamps or nutrition assistance;
  • obtain certain jobs; and
  • attend or be near an academic institution.

Parents of juvenile offenders are also held accountable for their children’s actions. As a result, they might:

  • have to provide compensation or service to the victim of their child’s offense;
  • pay their child’s care costs;
  • attend parental responsibility programs;
  • participate in community service along with their child; and
  • lose custody of their child temporarily.

Division of Youth Correction

Nowadays, the Juvenile Justice Court emphasizes the rehabilitative approach for penalties over severe punishments. For instance, first-time juvenile offenders are allowed to attend diversion programs designed to address their special needs instead. These diversion programs include counseling and other assignments for personal development.

In the possibility of juvenile detention, Colorado’s Division of Youth Correction (DYC) ensures that minors are properly assessed and screened to determine their risk factor for re-offending. All minors ages 10 to 18 may be placed under the care and supervision of DYC while awaiting court hearings. The DYC tries to help a youth lead constructive lives through positive development while restoring and improving public safety.

How Snowmass Law Protects Your Rights

Snowmass Law is a compassionate and dedicated legal advocate for youths who have been confronted with criminal charges. We treat every juvenile with care, regardless of the allegations. With our extensive knowledge of the local court and years of handling juvenile cases, our criminal defense lawyer is the best one to help you protect your child’s rights and future.

Young offenders face unique arrays of penalties and procedures, which can be complicated for those unfamiliar with the juvenile court. Our principal attorney, Arnie Mordkin, has an impressive track record regarding juvenile cases. He can guide you in navigating the criminal justice system and help your children avoid or minimize the impact of their convictions.

Contact Snowmass Law Today

Stand up for the rights and future of your child with the expert help from Snowmass Law.

Do not face the juvenile justice system alone. Contact us today if you’re looking for a trusted criminal defense attorney to represent your child against criminal charges.