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Juvenile Defense

In Colorado, underage offenders are not tried in adult court, but rather in juvenile court. The juvenile court system has its own set of rules and potential penalties for delinquents who’ve committed illegal acts. Juvenile court may have lighter consequences than adult court, but that doesn’t mean it won’t impact you or your child’s life. If convicted, you or your child may have to be detained for a period, attend rehabilitation classes, perform community service, stay under house arrest, or face a number of various consequences.

Parents want the best for their kids, so helping them through this situation is critical. If your child has been arrested, we urge you to seek legal counsel. You need a compassionate, committed, local attorney to guide you through the juvenile court process and aggressively defend the case.

Denver Juvenile Defense Attorney | Juvenile Court Process in CO

If your child needs a criminal defense lawyer, the legal team at Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. can defend them against the harsh consequences of a criminal accusation. Matthew Martin works to protect a young person’s permanent record and protect parents from possible liabilities. With over 28 years of trial experience, attorney Martin can zealously defend you and your rights.

Matthew Martin’s experience on both sides of the criminal justice system makes him a defense lawyer who can mount informed arguments in your favor. He knows the evidence prosecutors seek and this enables him to strategically protect his clients from overblown charges and serious consequences. Schedule your first consultation with Matthew Martin today by calling his office at (303) 725-0017. Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. accepts clients throughout the Denver area and surrounding counties such as Broomfield County, Douglas County, Jefferson County, Boulder County, and Adams County.

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Types of Juvenile Crimes in Denver, CO

The most commonly prosecuted juvenile crimes prosecuted in Colorado include:


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What Are the Sentencing Options for a Juvenile in Colorado?

Over the years, there’s been a crackdown on juvenile crimes. A drop in the underage crime rate has been attributed to the tough penalties that an underage person – especially a teen – faces when convicted. The justice system and lawmakers are convinced that coming down hard is deterring crime and by doing so it will stop convicted juvenile offenders from reoffending.

The penalties upon conviction for these juvenile crimes are unsympathetic. Violent crimes committed by minors can result in five years in a state detention facility. A juvenile may face up to two years of probation, on top of 45 days detention, sentencing to a “boot camp,” some form of public service, and restitution.

Although juvenile cases are handled differently than those in the adult system, young people can also face major penalties. In some cases, minors are subjected to very adult conditions, such as:

  • Supervised probation
  • Community service
  • Restitution
  • Counseling
  • Lengthy sentences in detention facilities or stays in the Department of Youth Corrections

Parents face liabilities too for the criminal actions of their children. Under juvenile law, you may have to perform community service alongside your child. As a parent or guardian, you could be sued in a civil court for the damages that were sustained as a result of your child’s behavior. In addition to these consequences, you could be ordered to attend a parenting program and perform services for the victim of the crime.


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What Is the Difference Between Juvenile and Adult Court in CO?

Most criminal defense attorneys concentrate their practice on adult cases and rarely practice in juvenile court. Because of this, they may lack the experience and knowledge to effectively represent children. Many of the rules and procedures are vastly different for juvenile court than adult court. For instance, there is no right to a jury trial, and there is no right to bail.

The State of Colorado realizes that children often make adult mistakes, but that they do not need to be punished in the same way as adults. The purpose of the Colorado criminal justice system is to provide early intervention for young offenders with the outcome being rehabilitation, not just punishment.

It is believed that minors have a greater chance of learning from their mistakes than adults do. For this reason, many of the legal consequences a young person faces are focused on getting mental health treatment, learning to obey rules, and adding structure into their day-to-day lives. At the same time, they may not have the same rights as adults such as having the right to a speedy trial since they are still dependent on their parents,

Because the differences between adult and juvenile court are so drastic, it’s highly recommended you seek a lawyer with juvenile defense experience.


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Additional Resources

Colorado Revised Statutes | Juvenile Court Rules– Visit the official website for the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) to read the legislation surrounding juvenile court. Access the site to read legal definitions, sentencing for juveniles, restitution for juvenile cases, and more.

Denver Juvenile Court – Visit the official website for the Colorado Judicial Branch to read up on the Denver juvenile courthouse. Access the site to learn the court’s address, contact information, presiding orders for the juvenile court stem, and resources for those attending.


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Denver Lawyer for Juvenile Crimes | Colorado Juvenile Defense Attorney

When it comes to criminal cases, nothing is more worrisome to a parent than seeing their child get into legal trouble. Parents want the best for their kids, so helping them through this situation is critical. If your child or teen faces charges of committing a juvenile crime, call (303) 725-0017 now.

As a criminal defense lawyer, Matthew Martin strives to protect the reputation of his juvenile clients as well as to safeguard their future opportunities. He works to keep sentences and convictions off of a young person’s record, and is sure to pay close attention to protecting eligibility for education loans and grants. Set up your first consultation with Attorney Martin today to set up an appointment in the Denver metropolitan area.


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