Home Criminal Defense Juvenile Crimes

San Diego Juvenile Crime Attorney

Are You in Need of a Proven San Diego Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Why Choose Us Over Other Juvenile Crimes Lawyers in San Diego?
Protect Your Child’s Future
What Happens When a Juvenile Is Arrested
What Does Informal Resolution Mean?
How Formal Charges Are Brought Against a Minor in California
Common Juvenile Charges
How a Fitness Hearing Works
Do Not Let One Mistake Define Your Child’s Life

Legal Defenses to Juvenile Crimes
Alternative Sentencing for Juveniles in California
What Clients Are Saying About Us
Finding an Experienced Juvenile Crimes Attorney
Other Locations We Serve in California
Protecting Your Child's Wellbeing and Freedom in San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet Our San Diego Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney

Are You in Need of a Proven San Diego Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Juvenile arrests in San Diego are extremely stressful for families. Attorney James N. Dicks at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys understands that young people can sometimes find themselves in difficult situations.

Unlike adult criminal cases, the juvenile justice system is designed to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, but that does not mean the process is forgiving. A child who is found delinquent may face probation, detention in a juvenile facility, loss of future educational opportunities, and long-term consequences that extend into adulthood.

In some cases, children as young as 14 may be tried as adults for serious offenses. This can result in prison time and a permanent criminal record. That is why it is so important to work with a skilled juvenile defense attorney who understands the legal process and the unique considerations involved when minors are accused of a crime.

Why Choose Us Over Other Juvenile Crimes Lawyers in San Diego?

We are available to answer your call 24/7.
We offer a free consultation.
Attorney James N. Dicks is a former LAPD investigator.
Attorney James N. Dicks is a Certified California Criminal Law Specialist.
We have successfully defended thousands of clients.
Spanish-speaking staff is available to assist clients.
James N. Dicks is a seven time-recipient of the Avvo Client Choice Award.
Attorney James N. Dicks has over 30 years of criminal defense experience in San Diego courts.
Our attorney is recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research.

Protect Your Child’s Future

Juvenile cases move fast, and your child’s future is too important to leave to chance. Put decades of criminal defense experience to work for your family.

Call (760) 630-2000 today to schedule your free consultation now.

What Happens When a Juvenile Is Arrested

If your child has been arrested, the police may have the option to release your son or daughter back to you at their discretion. When a child is placed into juvenile hall, the probation department or district attorney's office will then decide whether or not to file a petition against your child, which is essentially the same thing as filing criminal charges.

Children who are convicted of crimes in juvenile court can face a number of different consequences, including probation, being placed in foster care, being placed in a group home, or detainment.

Depending on the offense in question, the district attorney reserves the right to try your child as an adult. Children who are tried and convicted in adult court can face incarceration in a youth facility until the age of 24, after which they will be transferred to an adult prison.

What Does Informal Resolution Mean?

Informal proceedings typically result in a more favorable outcome than when a case is formally adjudicated in juvenile court. When a juvenile criminal matter is resolved informally, the minor appears before a juvenile judge or a juvenile probation officer for informal proceedings. A San Diego defense attorney should be present. In addition to receiving a stern lecture, the child who committed the offense may be ordered to:

Receive mandatory counseling
Perform a certain number of hours of community service
Pay restitution to a property owner
Complete probation

How Formal Charges Are Brought Against a Minor in California

Certain juvenile crimes are considered serious enough to warrant a formal petition. In such a case, the minor is charged before a juvenile court judge. It is important that the child have legal representation. The process goes as follows:

The prosecution files a formal petition, and the juvenile court decides whether to take the case or to schedule a fitness hearing in which it is determined if the child should be tried as an adult. The court decides this issue based on the seriousness of the crime and the personal characteristics of the accused juvenile. A minor may be charged as an adult for a serious offense, such as murder, rape, or kidnapping. Our San Diego juvenile crime defense lawyer will argue to keep the case in juvenile court.
If the case is kept in juvenile court, the minor may enter a plea agreement (plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges) or the case will be scheduled for adjudication (juvenile trial).
If the case goes to adjudication, the juvenile judge may sustain the petition, convicting the child of the offense.
If the minor is convicted, the juvenile judge will proceed to disposition (sentencing). Depending on the circumstances, the disposition may involve commitment to the juvenile division of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR); placement in a juvenile group home; or periodic monitoring by the court.

Common Juvenile Charges

Minors in San Diego can face a wide range of criminal allegations. While some involve nonviolent mistakes such as underage drinking, others carry serious penalties that may include confinement in a juvenile facility or even transfer to adult court. Understanding the types of charges juveniles often face can help families prepare for the legal process and the possible consequences.

Theft Crimes (Burglary, Shoplifting, Petty Theft): Taking property without permission, whether from a store or a private residence, can result in probation, restitution, or incarceration.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol: California has a “zero tolerance” policy for underage drinking and driving, meaning even a small amount of alcohol in a minor’s system can lead to license suspension and other penalties.
Speeding or Reckless Driving: Traffic offenses involving minors can escalate quickly, especially if reckless driving causes injury or property damage.
Possession of Marijuana or Other Drugs: Even small amounts of illegal substances can lead to drug education programs, probation, or detention.
Drug Sales or Transportation: Allegations of selling or transporting drugs are treated more seriously and may expose minors to harsher penalties or transfer to adult court.
Graffiti and Vandalism: Property damage, including graffiti, is a common juvenile offense that often requires restitution and community service.
Assault and Battery: Physical altercations, whether in school or public, can result in assault or battery charges with lasting consequences.
Solicitation of Prostitution: Juveniles accused of solicitation may face probation, mandatory programs, or detention.
Gun Possession: California law restricts firearm access for minors, and violations can result in significant penalties.
Sex Crimes: Allegations of sexual misconduct are treated with extreme seriousness and can affect a minor’s future long after the case ends.
Gang Crimes: Involvement in gang-related activity may lead to enhanced penalties under California law.
Attempted Murder or Murder: The most serious charges may subject minors to prosecution in adult court, where the penalties can include life sentences.

How a Fitness Hearing Works

If the alleged crime is serious, the prosecutor may request a fitness hearing in which the judge will decide whether the minor is fit for the juvenile criminal justice system or should be tried as an adult. Factors the judge will consider in making this determination include:

The age of the minor
The seriousness of the nature of the crime
The criminal history of the minor
Whether the minor is likely to benefit from rehabilitative services provided by juvenile court

If the judge determines that the minor can benefit from rehabilitative services, the case will be adjudicated in juvenile court. If not, the minor will be transferred to an adult court for trial.

Do Not Let One Mistake Define Your Child’s Life

We work to protect your child’s rights, keep cases in juvenile court, and pursue outcomes that minimize the long-term impact on their future.

Your child deserves a fresh start. Call (760) 630-2000 today.

Legal Defenses to Juvenile Crimes

Finding the he right defense strategy for your child depends on the circumstances of the arrest, the strength of the evidence, and the type of charges they are facing. James N. Dicks will carefully examine the facts to develop a strong approach aimed at protecting the minor’s future.

Challenging the Prosecution’s Case

In any criminal proceeding, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A juvenile defense lawyer can argue that this burden has not been met by highlighting inconsistencies, weaknesses in the evidence, or procedural violations. If the prosecution cannot present reliable, admissible evidence, the case may be dismissed.

Misidentification

Juvenile cases often arise from chaotic or emotionally charged situations, such as school fights or incidents involving groups of teenagers. In these cases, witnesses may mistakenly identify the wrong person. Demonstrating misidentification through surveillance footage, alibi evidence, or cross-examining witnesses can be a powerful defense.

Lack of Evidence

In many juvenile cases, the allegations rely on limited or circumstantial evidence. If the prosecution cannot produce sufficient proof to link the minor to the alleged offense, the defense can argue for dismissal. A lack of fingerprints, DNA, video evidence, or credible testimony may show that the charges are unsupported.

False Allegations

Unfortunately, false accusations are common in juvenile cases. A skilled San Diego criminal defense attorney can uncover motives behind false allegations, such as revenge or personal disputes, and present evidence to prove the accusations are not true.

Self-Defense

If a juvenile is accused of assault, battery, or a violent crime, self-defense may be a valid argument. California law allows people, including minors, to protect themselves from harm if they reasonably believe they are in danger. Demonstrating that the minor acted to defend themselves or others can lead to acquittal.

Challenging the Evidence

Many juvenile cases involve evidence that has been improperly collected. A defense attorney can challenge the admissibility of this evidence, arguing that police conducted an illegal search, violated Miranda rights, or failed to follow proper procedures. Excluding this evidence can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Challenging Witness Credibility

Witness testimony often plays a central role in juvenile cases. However, witnesses may be biased, unreliable, or mistaken. A defense attorney can expose inconsistencies in statements, uncover motives to lie, and use cross-examination to reduce the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses.

Alternative Sentencing for Juveniles in California

California law provides alternatives to incarceration that focus on rehabilitation. Judges may impose probation, counseling, community service, drug treatment programs, or placement in diversion programs instead of confinement in Juvenile Hall. A skilled juvenile defense attorney can advocate for these alternatives, helping minors avoid life-altering penalties and move forward with a second chance.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

Do not hesitate to hire this man! -Debbie B. (5-Star Yelp Review)

Mr. Dicks was quite impressive and seems to be able to write his own ticket around the courthouse. Do not hesitate to hire this man!

Very professional and knowledgeable -Txhengseng Lee (5-Star Google Review)

James is very professional and knowledgeable. He helped me for a long time in my matter and never hesitated to answer any of my questions directly. His team are the most respectful and brilliant.

Finding an Experienced Juvenile Crimes Attorney

Finding an experienced juvenile crimes attorney in San Diego is essential because the juvenile justice system operates differently from the adult system, with its own procedures, judges, and priorities. A seasoned attorney who understands juvenile cases knows how to address these unique legal processes and can work to minimize long-term consequences for your child. James N. Dicks knows how to advocate for alternatives to incarceration, such as diversion programs, counseling, or community service that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Other Locations We Serve in California

Protecting Your Child's Wellbeing and Freedom in San Diego

Our firm's founding partner and former police detective, Attorney James N. Dicks, has earned a highly respected reputation within the legal community for his hard-hitting advocacy and unparalleled dedication to his clients. At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are fully equipped to go the distance on your child's behalf and can provide the knowledgeable advocacy you need during this difficult time. Our litigation experience can potentially be the difference between your child's incarceration and acquittal. Do not let an overly enthusiastic prosecutor decide their fate. Let us use our skills to protect your child's future and reputation from disastrous consequences after a San Diego juvenile drug possession charge or other serious offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cases fall under juvenile crimes in San Diego?

Juvenile crimes include theft, shoplifting, vandalism, underage drinking, drug possession, assault, sexual offenses, robbery, burglary, and more. Any crime allegedly committed by a minor under 18 is handled in the juvenile court system, unless the child is tried as an adult.

What happens after a minor is arrested in San Diego?

Typically, the minor is taken to Juvenile Hall for processing. Depending on the offense, they may be released to their parents or held in custody until their court hearing. A probation officer will be assigned to investigate the case.

Can a minor be tried as an adult in California?

Yes. For serious crimes such as murder, robbery with a firearm, or certain sexual offenses, prosecutors may seek to try juveniles as adults. This decision depends on the minor’s age, criminal history, and the severity of the charges.

What is the difference between juvenile court and adult court?

Juvenile court focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Proceedings are generally closed to the public, and outcomes may include probation, counseling, community service, or placement in a juvenile facility. Adult court, on the other hand, can impose harsher sentences, including state prison.

What defenses are available in juvenile cases?

Possible defenses include mistaken identity, false accusations, lack of intent, self-defense, constitutional violations during arrest, and insufficient evidence. An attorney can review the circumstances to determine the strongest defense strategy.

How long does a juvenile case take in San Diego?

Juvenile cases often move quickly compared to adult cases. Hearings may be scheduled within days or weeks of the arrest. This makes it crucial to contact a lawyer immediately to prepare a defense.

Why is hiring a juvenile crimes lawyer so important?

Juvenile law has unique rules and procedures. An experienced attorney ensures your child’s rights are protected, works to keep the case in juvenile court, and seeks alternatives to incarceration that focus on rehabilitation.

Meet Our San Diego Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney

James N. Dicks

License Number: 132990

James N. Dicks is the founder of jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys. A Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization, he has successfully defended thousands of clients facing charges ranging from DUI and drug offenses to domestic violence and serious felonies. Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Dicks served as a Los Angeles Police Department investigator, giving him valuable insight into law enforcement practices and prosecution strategies. Mr. Dicks is committed to providing strategic, aggressive, and personalized defense for every client.