San Diego Juvenile Murder Defense Attorney

Having to face accusations of murder and criminal charges can be a frightening experience for an adult. For a minor, being charged with murder can be far more devastating. Although a vast majority of youth offenders are often sent to juvenile detention centers as opposed to prison or jail, stricter measures have been enacted that now allow minors to be tried as adults depending on the severity of the crime. California’s Proposition 21 permits minors who are at least 14 years of age to be tried as adults in court for committing crimes such as:

  • First-degree murder
  • Rape
  • Sodomy
  • Spousal rape
  • Lewd acts on a child under fourteen

Juvenile Murder Charges and the Law

When a minor is committed to one of California Division of Juvenile Justice’s (DJJ) facilities by the juvenile and criminal courts, the juvenile is meant to receive education, treatment and rehabilitation that will help them move past their crimes. However, when a juvenile (who is at least 14 years of age) is convicted of a more serious crime such as murder, the minor can no longer be tried in juvenile court and must be tried as an adult.

Being tried as an adult for murder can have dire consequences in the life of a juvenile and can cause tremendous hardship on family and loved one.  The skilled San Diego juvenile murder defense attorneys at Spital & Associates have years of experience representing cases of juvenile crime and are knowledgeable of the laws that affect minors who have been charged in the state of California.

Legal Defense of Juveniles

At Spital & Associates, we understand that  standing before a judge can be a frightening experience for a minor facing murder charges. That is why not only do we provide competent juvenile legal representation, but we are there to provide caring and compassionate support to our young clients as well. We fight aggressively to defend the rights of young people and will strive to negotiate with the necessary authorities to prevent a child from having to face the harsh punishment that may result from being tried as an adult.

If needed, we will find the appropriate counselors and medical professionals required to provide a full assessment of our young clients and will always strive to seek rehabilitation options instead of incarceration.  If your child or a young person in your family is facing juvenile crime charges, do not hesitate to seek the legal advice of a skilled San Diego juvenile murder defense attorney. Call our juvenile murder defense lawyers in San Diego, CA at: (619) 583-0350 to schedule a consultation with an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney.