Juvenile Defense Attorney in Sacramento, CA
As former police officers, we know exactly how cases are built — and how they fall apart.
"Unquestionably the best defense trial attorney in the Sacramento area. His record speaks for itself!"
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Undefeated Record in Jury Trial 4 Years in a Row
Over 70 Jury Trials and Thousands of Cases Handled for Our Clients
Case Dismissed
Client was charged with five serious felonies, including attempted murder, and was facing life in prison.
Charges Dropped
Client was arrested for embezzling from her employer. All charges dropped.
Charges Dismissed
Client arrested for their 2nd offense DUI. All charges were dismissed, no DMV or criminal consequences.
Not Guilty
At jury trial, jury returned verdicts of NOT GUILTY on all felony counts.
Protecting the Rights of Minors Across California
A person of any age can commit a crime. However, the laws are different for minors. Children under age 7 cannot be tried at all, while children between the ages of 8 and 15 are often tried in juvenile court. While at juvenile court, a prosecutor can decide whether to file charges, handle the crime off the record, or dismiss the case altogether.
Key Factors Influencing Juvenile Charges
Prosecutors take the following into consideration when deciding whether or not to file charges.
Important Considerations Include:
- The minor's age
- The severity of the crime
- The evidence against the minor
- The minor's attitude
- The minor's past criminal record
- The parents' ability to control the minor
- Whether the minor has an attorney
Keep Your Child's Reputation Intact
A crime committed by a minor can be a big deal. Technology has made it easy for universities and employers to check an applicant's background and any derogatory marks can ruin a minor's chance of success.
If your child faces criminal charges, you need aggressive representation. The Law Office of Jonathan Gonzales can help. When our Sacramento juvenile defense attorneys go to trial, we win. Don't let your child lose out when they have made a mistake. Don't make another by refusing assistance from a top juvenile crimes defense attorney Even if the issue is handled off the record, the officer or judge can still dole out appropriate punishment. At the very least, the minor will receive a lecture. The judge may also order community service, probation, counseling, or restitution to the victim, if applicable.
Why You Need a Sacramento Juvenile Defense Lawyer
In any event, it is important to have an experienced juvenile defense attorney on your side to see that you benefit from defense strategies that work. Attorney Gonzales at The Law Office of Jonathan Gonzales is an aggressive Sacramento trial lawyer who has an undefeated jury trial record for 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 across a variety of criminal cases. You can count on him to help you with your case!
Serving Sacramento and Surrounding Areas
Our criminal defense practice serves clients throughout:
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Sacramento
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Stockton
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Sacramento County
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Placer County
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Northern California
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Roseville
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Antioch
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Concord
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El Dorado County
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Yolo County
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Solano County
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San Joaquin County
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Sutter County
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Yuba County
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Vacaville
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Fairfield
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Elk Grove
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Folsom
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Citrus Heights
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Rancho Cordova
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Fair Oaks
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Carmichael
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Arden-Arcade
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Modesto
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Davis
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Woodland
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West Sacramento
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Auburn
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Rocklin
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Lincoln
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Granite Bay
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El Dorado Hills
Contact Our Sacramento Criminal Defense Team
Don't face criminal charges alone. Our experienced attorneys are ready to protect your rights and fight for your future.
We Don’t Just Defend. We Deconstruct the Prosecution’s Case
Reasons to Choose Gonzales Law Office
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT JUVENILE CRIMES
A juvenile crime is any act committed by someone under 18 that would be a misdemeanor or felony if committed by an adult. This can range from shoplifting and vandalism to assault, drug offenses, or more serious violent crimes. Juvenile cases are typically handled in the California juvenile court system, which focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Yes. Under California Welfare & Institutions Code § 707, a juvenile aged 16 or older can be tried as an adult for certain serious or violent felonies if the court finds it appropriate after a “fitness hearing.” Being tried as an adult can result in adult criminal penalties, including prison time.
After arrest, the minor may be released to their parents or detained in juvenile hall. A probation officer reviews the case and decides whether to dismiss it, handle it informally, or file formal charges in juvenile court. If charges are filed, the minor will have a detention hearing, and the case will proceed through adjudication (trial) and disposition (sentencing), with a focus on rehabilitation.
Former Police Officer Lends Insight to Your Case
As a former Police Officer, Attorney Gonzales has valuable insight into how cases are handled and how charges are pursued, giving you an advantage at trial. He also understands how law enforcement can make mistakes, which could benefit your defense.
Sacramento criminal defense lawyer Gonzales, will investigate your case, collect evidence, and create a strong defense strategy to either get your entire case dismissed or your charges/penalties significantly reduced.
In fact, he has maintained an undefeated track record as a criminal defense lawyer at trial for the last three years by providing his clients with aggressive and personalized legal solutions. If you are facing criminal charges, our defense attorney in Sacramento can effectively advocate for your future.
