Juvenile Delinquency

Defending Juveniles in Criminal Cases

Juvenile delinquency is an area of law where minors are accused of committing criminal offenses. Juvenile law is an intersection of civil and criminal law. It is based on Welfare & Institutions Code and well as the Penal Code. Juvenile court has its own set of rules. In Orange County, juvenile court is at the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange, CA. If a minor is charged with an offense, he/she will receive notice in the mail with a court date to appear with a parent. If your child is charged with a criminal offense in juvenile court, you need an attorney who knows what she is doing and how to handle a case from start to finish in juvenile court. Caroline R. Hahn is an experienced juvenile attorney and appears regularly in juvenile court in Orange County. She understands the juvenile delinquency court process and can guide you and your child throughout the entire process.

Ms. Hahn is especially passionate about the minors she represents and helping families through a difficult time. Representing minors is different than representing adults in criminal court. Minors have a different goal. Our goal is to help rehabilitate or change a minor while he/she is still young and impressionable and to steer him/her away from a seemingly wrong or dangerous path. It takes a village to raise a child. It also takes many people to help a child. Once a minor is in the juvenile court system, there are many social services to help families so that the minor is also benefited. Caroline R. Hahn knows of these programs and has a heart to help her clients and their families.

A mistake can ruin a child’s future in an instant. Our Orange County juvenile attorneys can help you, so your child’s future is not ruined by his/her mistakes. A solid legal defense is required if your child has been charged with a crime. We can help at the Hahn Attorneys, LLP. Caroline Hahn knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. We provide effective representation by advocating for your best interests and educating you about the legal process in your case.

Understanding the Juvenile Justice System

The juvenile justice system is different than the criminal system for adults. You need to work with a lawyer with experience navigating both courts. The court considers several factors when a juvenile is accused of committing a crime, including how old the offender is, the seriousness of the crime and if the juvenile has a previous criminal history.

We will help you through the juvenile court system and prepare a strong defense to find the best possible outcome. In the juvenile system, Caroline Hahn will negotiate with prosecutors and speak with probation officers and the judge to minimize the impact on her client’s life and future opportunities.

Criminal Defense Representation for all Types of Offenses

We represent juvenile offenders in Orange County and the surrounding areas in all types of cases involving:

• Gang-related issues, vandalism, assault and battery
• DUIs and underage drinking
• Drug crimes involving possession or drug sales
• Robbery, theft and burglary charges
• Sex offenses
• Murder, homicide

We will review your child’s case, his/her juvenile record and explore all available options to help achieve a disposition that allows the minor to protect his/her future. If he/she is falsely accused of the crime, Ms. Hahn will take the case to trial and fight passionately for your child.

The Consequences of a Conviction

Juveniles face different consequences than adults when they are adjudicated of a crime. The court may order the following punishments for juveniles:

• Spend time in juvenile hall, which is jail for juveniles
• Live at home under house arrest with an ankle monitor
• Formal probation with community service or work program
• Spend time at the Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice, which is state prison for juveniles

Some juveniles are charged as adults, which could result in the same consequences adults face if he or she is convicted. These penalties are much harsher, and can significantly harm your child’s future and reputation in the community.

Juveniles have rights when being questioned by the police. Beginning in January 2018, California has a new law where a youth 15 years old or younger must consult with counsel prior to an interrogation by law enforcement or any waiver of Miranda warnings. Attorney Caroline R. Hahn will protect your child’s rights and make sure they are being treated fairly under the law. This includes evaluating the circumstances leading up to the investigation or arrest and making sure her clients’ rights were not violated or coerced into a false confession.

Contact Us

Contact our Orange County juvenile defense firm immediately if you or your child has been accused of a crime. We will protect your rights and guide you through your criminal case. Free initial consultations are available by appointment only. Call 714-725-7582 or send us an email to get started.