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Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

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  5. Our Juvenile Justice System

Our Juvenile Justice System

When Children And Teens Are Charged With Crimes

As parents, we understand that children and kids make mistakes and learn from them. Regrettably, Colorado police and the juvenile criminal justice system do not always follow that belief. In many cases in Aurora, Lakewood and Arvada, our government follows a one-strike and you’re out philosophy, as they attach long-term labels on our kids and make it nearly impossible to put a one-time mistake behind them. Our Denver attorneys know how to limit the impact of your child’s mistake, and set them up for an even chance at success as adults following their involvement in the Colorado juvenile justice system.

Juvenile Adjudication Vs. Criminal Conviction

Fortunately, Colorado juvenile crimes are better classified than adult crimes for similar criminal conduct. For example, juvenile criminal offenses in Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe County are prosecuted as delinquency matters in juvenile court, before a juvenile judge or magistrate. This is where the term “Juvenile Delinquent” comes from. If your child receives a guilty verdict, they can receive a juvenile adjudication rather than the more detrimental criminal conviction. Unless there is a direct file in district court for very serious sex and life-threatening injury cases, your child will have a chance to eventually expunge or seal their criminal case.

More Advantages For Your Child’s Juvenile Crime Case

Other benefits of a juvenile case filing classification include earlier sealing or expungement opportunity, less restrictive incarceration (juvenile detention facility vs. county jail), and less likely that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation “CBI” will publish a juvenile’s arrest or conviction record. Of course, there are more serious juvenile cases in Adams, Denver and Weld County where out of home placement in a county juvenile detention facility or the Colorado Department of Youth Corrections (prison) are possible. More serious situations where juvenile incarceration may occur are when a teenager is classified as a:

  • Mandatory Sentence Offender
  • Repeat Juvenile Offender
  • Violent Offender
  • Aggravated Juvenile Offender

What is “Direct File” Or “Direct Filing” In The Juvenile Criminal Court Context?

Direct file is the term given the process which district attorneys in Adams, Jefferson and Douglas County use to charge kids as adults in more serious cases. Until 2012, this process was used more frequently. Now, thanks to a Colorado legislative bill signed by the governor, prosecutors cannot direct file on most children until they are at least sixteen years old. To be subject to a direct file at a younger age, the child must be accused of a violent, sexual, kidnapping, or homicide case. Also, children are now able to appeal the prosecutor’s decision of a direct filing to the district court judge. If successfully prosecuted as an adult for juvenile criminal conduct, once a child turns eighteen, the child can be transferred to an adult prison serving an adult sentence. Direct filing is reserved for Colorado’s most serious offenses where the elected district attorney feels a child deserves more punishment than typically authorized by Colorado juvenile law.

Colorado Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Only a Colorado juvenile crime attorney practicing law in El Paso and Larimer County has the unique knowledge of rules and procedures governing juvenile court. Here, special strategies are employed to lessen the severity of your child’s mistake. We know that all teenagers are not created the same. They each have unique skill sets, limitations and life expectancy. No one should give up on them and their future. With the help of our expert witness team, we utilize innovative strategies involving your child’s mental health, physical limitations, and learning deficits. Our defense counselors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists all play a role in defining your child to a prosecutor, judge or jury.

Juvenile Court Is Unique

Fortunately, many Colorado magistrates and judges hear us when we detail your child’s unique circumstances. Whether it is a false allegation or an exaggerated allegation against your child, we can work with a Deputy District Attorney to understand your child’s case following their arrest – the whole case. Your child deserves fair treatment with their criminal case, whether it be a dismissal, the diversion program, a deferred judgment, or a deferred prosecution. When your child’s life and future are on the line, don’t rely on an overworked Public Defender to get the job done right. Choose a juvenile defense attorney equipped to represent your child’s case fully. Jail, prison, juvenile detention and a detention facility can have a negative impact on your developing child. Children should not be kept in custody any longer than legally required.

Colorado Juvenile Detention Facilities

Juvenile detention centers are located across Colorado. They are run by local county agencies and by the Department of Human Services. Here are just a few where our juvenile lawyers visit kids charged with crimes:

  • Mountview Youth Services Center Detention Facility
  • Gilliam Youth Services Center Detention Facility
  • Adams Youth Services Center
  • Pueblo Youth Services Center
  • Foote Youth Services Center Detention Facility
  • Platte Valley Youth Services Center Detention Facility
  • Grand Mesa Youth Services Center Detention Facility
  • Spring Creek Youth Services Center Detention Facility
  • Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center Detention Facility
  • Zeb Pike Youth Services Center Detention Facility
  • Ridge View Youth Services Center Detention Facility
  • Marler Youth Services Center Detention Facility
  • Denier Youth Services Center Detention Facility

Your Decision Today Affects Your Child’s Future

Our juvenile court trial lawyers are at your disposal. We understand the juvenile justice system well. For over 25 years, we have developed juvenile defense strategies to limit the harm a child’s youthful mistakes may cause. Young people are still learning good judgment and should be given a second chance. If your child is charged with a crime or contacted by police, be smart and exercise your child’s right to remain silent. Then, call us at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your child’s future.

Facing Charges? Get Help Now!
Facing Charges? Get Help Now!

Practice Areas

  • Crimes A-Z
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    • Courts, Probation And Procedures
      • Arrest And Jail Process
      • Attempt To Commit A Crime
      • Attorney Fees For Criminal Cases
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      • Colorado Courts Map
      • Conspiracy To Commit A Crime
      • Contempt Charges By A Court
      • Counties In Colorado: Find Your County
      • Court Hearings In Criminal Cases
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      • Entrapment As A Defense
      • Expungement Of Juvenile Records
      • Extradition To And From Colorado
      • Insanity And Incompetency
      • Jury Trials – When & Why?
      • Miranda Rights
      • Municipal/Petty Crime Record Sealing
      • Municipal Courts
      • Plea Bargains
      • Presentence Investigation Report
      • Probation Sentence/Probation Officers
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      • Record Sealing
      • Restitution From Criminal Convictions
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      • Sentencing In Criminal Cases
      • Subpoena Service Of Process
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      • Crack Cocaine Possession
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    • Firearms Rights & Crimes
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    • Fraud/Forgery
      • Casino Fraudulent Acts
      • Check Fraud
      • Criminal Extortion
      • Criminal Impersonation in Colorado
      • False Information To A Pawn Broker
      • Forgery In Colorado
      • Gambling And Casino Crimes
      • Identity Theft In Colorado
      • Unauthorized Use Of A Financial Transaction Device
    • Internet Sex Crimes
      • Enticement Of A Child
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      • Indeterminate Sentencing In Colorado
      • Internet Luring of a Child
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    • Jail and Prison Information
      • Adams County Jail
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      • Inmate Communication
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      • Parole From Prison
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    • Police-Involved Crimes
      • Assault in the Second Degree – Police
      • Escape In Colorado
      • False Reporting In Colorado
      • Impersonating A Peace/Police Officer
      • Obstruction In Colorado
      • Resisting Arrest In Colorado
    • Restraining Orders
      • Civil Protection Order Dismissal & Modification
      • Civil Restraining/Protection Orders In Criminal Cases
      • Criminal Restraining Orders In Colorado
      • Violation Of A Protection Order
    • Witness And Victim Crimes
      • Aggravated Intimidation Of A Victim Or Witness
      • Bribing Or Bribery Of Witness Or Victim
      • Intimidation of a Witness or Victim
      • Perjury In Colorado
      • Retaliation Against A Witness Or Victim
      • Witness or Victim Tampering
  • Domestic Violence
    • Civil Assist In Domestic Violence
    • Domestic Violence Definition
    • Domestic Violence Protection/Restraining Orders In Colorado
    • Domestic Violence Treatment In Colorado
    • Firearms And Domestic Violence
    • Intimate Relationship – Sex Not Required
    • Victim’s Advocates
  • Person and Violent Crimes
    • At Risk Adults & Juveniles
    • False Imprisonment
    • Harassment In Colorado
    • Kidnapping
    • Manslaughter in Colorado
    • Menacing
    • Murder / Homicide
    • Obstructing a Peace Officer in Colorado
    • Obstruction of Telephone Service
    • Reckless Endangerment
    • Resisting Arrest Charges in Colorado
    • Robbery
    • Stalking Definition
  • Sexual Offenses
    • Failure To Register As A Sex Offender In Colorado
    • Incest & Aggravated Incest In Colorado
    • Indecent Exposure in Colorado
    • Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification
    • Class 6 Felony Sexual Assault, Child Victim
    • Promotion Of Obscenity To A Minor
    • Prostitution, Solicitation And Pimping In Colorado
    • Public Indecency
    • Sex Offender Deregistration In Colorado
    • Sex Offender Registration
    • Sex Offender Sentencing
    • Sex Offender Treatment Overview
    • Sexual Assault Charges in Colorado
    • Sexual Assault Felony Charges in Colorado
    • Sexual Assault on a Child
    • Pattern of Sexual Abuse, Defined
    • Sexual Assault on a Child, Position of Trust
    • Sexual Assault Misdemeanor Charges in Colorado
    • Unlawful Sexual Contact
  • Property Crimes
    • Arson
      • First-Degree Arson
      • Fourth-Degree Arson
      • Second-Degree Arson
      • Third-Degree Arson
    • Burglary
      • First Degree Burglary
      • Possession Of Burglary Tools
      • Second Degree Burglary
      • Third Degree Burglary
      • Burglary Law Changes in Colorado
    • Criminal Mischief In Colorado
    • Theft And Embezzlement
      • Accessory to Crime & Complicity
      • Motor Vehicle Theft
      • Computer Crime
      • Construction Trust Fund Theft
      • Embezzlement
      • Felony Theft In Colorado
      • Misdemeanor Theft In Colorado
      • Shoplifting Theft In Colorado
    • Juvenile Crimes
      • Direct Filing
      • Interference With Educational Institutions
      • Juvenile Detention Facilities
      • Juvenile Record Expungement
      • Juvenile Sexting And Texting In Colorado
      • Juvenile Sexual Assault on a Child in Colorado
      • Minor in Possession of Alcohol
      • Our Juvenile Justice System
    • Trespassing/Trespass
      • First-Degree Criminal Trespass
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      • Third-Degree Criminal Trespass
  • DUI / DWAI / Traffic
    • Breathalyzer Test
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    • DUI/DWAI Expressed Consent
    • DWAI/DUI Blood Alcohol Content (Blood Alcohol Concentration)
    • Felony DUI In Colorado
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    • Handling The Colorado DUI/DWAI Stop
    • Unlawful Acts – Alcohol
    • What Is The Difference Between DUI And DWAI?
    • Traffic Crimes
      • Accident Involving Damage
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      • Careless Driving
      • Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Hearings in Colorado
      • DMV Point System in Colorado
      • Driving Under Restraint in Colorado
      • Failure To Report An Accident
      • Habitual Traffic Offender & Aggravated Driving
      • Hit and Run – Leaving the Scene of an Accident
      • OJW – Outstanding Judgment Warrant
      • Probationary Driver’s License
      • Reckless Driving
      • Speeding Tickets
      • Vehicular Assault In Colorado
      • Vehicular Eluding In Colorado
      • Vehicular Homicide
  • Sex Offenses – An Overview
  • Rape, Sexual Assault, Date Rape And Statutory Rape
  • Victimless Sex Offenses
  • Sex Offender Registry
  • False Allegations
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Offenses
  • Sex Offenses – Resource Links

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