Juvenile Sex Offenders
Because of their age, juveniles face a different legal process than adults. This process is designed to protect their identity and prevent them from completely ruining their life at an early age.
The following article will provide an overview of the juvenile criminal process, specifically relating to sex crimes.
Denver Juvenile Sex Offender Attorney
If you have a child who is under investigation for a sex crime, whether it is indecency, rape or any other type of sex crime, they need legal representation. These charges can result in losses of educational and employment opportunities, and can have serious ramifications on whether or not he or she will be able to go to college.
The Law Office of Matthew Martin is ready to provide legal representation to those accused of sex crimes.
For more information and to schedule your first free consultation, call Matthew Martin at (303) 725-0017 today.
Adult Sex Offense Cases
Repercussions for adults found guilty of a sex offense vary greatly across the spectrum. Some offenses, such as public indecency, may be met with a simple misdemeanor. Other charges, such as sexual assault or abuse of a minor, are met with harsher sentences, which can range to as much as 50 years in prison per charge.
Generally, the court will try minors as adults for Class 1 and Class 2 felony charges. This depends on the circumstances.
What Counts as a Juvenile?
Juveniles are those from the age of 10 to 18. Persons under the age of 10 are referred to as children. The juvenile justice system is designed primarily to be rehabilitative, rather than punitive. Juveniles charged with crimes are typically remaindered to juvenile court, rather than adult court.
Another difference in youth cases is that juvenile cases are typically resolved in weeks, rather than months or years.
The following section outlines the legal process of dealing with juveniles, from the Office of the District Attorney.
Juvenile Delinquency Cases
Intake
Juveniles who are arrested in Denver are transported to the Juvenile Services Center (JSC) located at 303 W. Colfax Ave. At the JSC, staff conducts an initial review of the juvenile and contacts the parents or guardians to inform them of the arrest.
Based upon the staff review, the nature of the crime, and the juvenile’s history, a determination will be made as to whether a juvenile will be released on Pre-Trial Release (PTR) or taken to detention.
The juvenile detention facility in Denver is the Gilliam Youth Services Center (GYSC) located at 2844 Downing Street.
Decision
Juveniles who are being held in custody at the Gilliam Youth Services Center (GYSC) are entitled to a detention hearing. This hearing is typically held within two business days after arrest. At this hearing, a judge or magistrate will make a determination as to whether probable cause for arrest exists and will also make a decision about bond.
Parents of the juvenile are notified of the hearing and are requested to attend. If a parent is unable to attend, the judge or magistrate will appoint a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL). This person is appointed to represent the best interests of the child and will stand in for the parent. The Public Defender is also present at detention hearings and is available to take applications to represent a juvenile. Victims or their family members may also be present at the detention hearing, and can get more information about the case by calling the Denver DA’s Office—Juvenile Unit, at 720-913-9012.
Bond
The state may allow the juvenile out on bond. The judge will make a decision as to whether the juvenile is a danger to themselves or others. If the judge determines that the juvenile is not a risk, then they will be released on a pre-trial release (PTR).
Pre-Trial Release
Pre-trial releases are agreements between the court and the juvenile. This may include the use of an in-home monitor, restricted contact and other requirements.
Charge
The District Attorney’s office has 3 days from the time of the detention hearing to file charges.
Preliminary Hearing
Certain charges entitle a juvenile to a preliminary hearing. At a preliminary hearing, the District Attorney must provide a judge with enough evidence for the court to make a determination that there is probable cause to bind the case over as charged. These hearings are often waived by the juvenile, which keeps the plea negotiation process open. The case may also be set for trial.
Trial
Most of the juvenile criminal trials that take place in Denver are trials to the court (also known as “trial to the bench”). This means that the case is heard by a judge rather than a jury.
A trial to the court must be held within 60 days after the juvenile’s plea of not guilty. Juveniles are entitled to a trial by jury in certain felony cases. For these cases, a trial must occur within six months after a not guilty plea.
Additional Resources
Denver District Attorney’s Office – The Denver District Attorney’s Office provides an overview of youth cases. This overview was used to inform this article, and may include additional information that may be of use.
Hire a Juvenile Sex Crime Attorney in Denver, Colorado
For more information and to schedule your first free consultation, call Matthew Martin at (303) 725-0017 today.
Matthew Martin accepts clients throughout the greater Denver area including Jefferson County, Douglas County, Arapahoe County, Broomfield County, Adams County, and Boulder County.