Why Choose Okabe & Haushalter for Juvenile Defense
- Decades of criminal defense experience in LA County juvenile courts
- Relationships with local probation, DAs, and judges
- Rapid response for detention hearings and release plans
- Focus on rehabilitation outcomes: diversion, informal supervision, community-based programs
Call (310) 543-7708 for a fast juvenile case review.
What Counts as a Juvenile Case?
Plain-English definition: Cases involving minors accused of violating the law, typically handled in Juvenile Court with a rehabilitation mandate.
Common terms parents hear: petition, detention, adjudication, disposition, informal supervision, diversion, transfer (“adult court”).
Common Juvenile Charges We Defend
Group by user intent and keyword families (add internal links where you have pages):
- Property & Theft: shoplifting, burglary, vandalism/graffiti
- Violence & Weapons: simple/Aggravated assault, robbery, weapons possession at school
- School-Related: fights, threats, vaping, bullying/harassment incidents
- Drugs & Alcohol: possession, intent, DUI under 21 (zero-tolerance issues)
- Sex-Related Allegations: sexting distribution, indecent exposure, unwanted contact (handle with sensitivity; early counsel critical)
- Status/Conduct: curfew, truancy, runaways (often resolved with community plans)
Immediate Steps for Parents/Guardians
- Stay calm, get details. Where is your child? What agency? What time?
- Invoke rights. Your child can remain silent and request a lawyer during questioning.
- Do not consent to searches or interviews without counsel.
- Collect evidence: phone messages, school emails, videos, names of witnesses.
- Call us early to influence release conditions and diversion eligibility.
The California Juvenile Court Process and What to Expect
1) Detention & Intake
- Release vs. continued detention; probation’s intake interview; parent role.
- How we argue for home release and services instead of custody.
2) Petition & Arraignment
- What a petition means; deadlines; how plea discussions differ from adult court.
3) Adjudication (Trial)
- Judge-only trials; burden of proof; evidentiary defenses; credibility issues.
4) Disposition (Sentencing)
- Restitution, probation terms, counseling, community service, electronic monitoring.
5) Post-Disposition Options
- Review hearings, early termination of probation, sealing records eligibility.
Diversion, Informal Supervision & Alternatives to Court
- Informal supervision / community programs to keep a case off the formal docket.
- School-based or community diversion for first-time/low-level offenses.
- Benefits: avoids formal adjudication, reduces long-term consequences.
- How we present mitigation: grades, IEP/504 plans, counseling, athletics, family support.
Can a Juvenile Case Be Tried in Adult Court?
- When prosecutors seek transfer for serious allegations.
- Our role: contest transfer, present maturity/history evidence, rehabilitation plan.
- Why stopping transfer protects your child’s future schooling and employment.
Record Sealing & Life After the Case
- When records can be sealed; why it matters for college, jobs, housing.
- Steps and timing; how compliance on probation improves your odds.
- We handle sealing petitions and post-disposition clean-up.
School Discipline & Parallel Proceedings
- Suspensions/expulsions can run alongside the court case.
- We coordinate with education counsel to protect transcripts and placements.
- Gathering security footage, incident reports, and witness statements quickly.
Parents’ Rights & Responsibilities
- Your right to be notified, to attend hearings, to confer with counsel.
- Helping with compliance (curfews, counseling, school attendance) to keep your child home.
South Bay & Greater Los Angeles Coverage
Torrance • Manhattan Beach • Redondo Beach • Hermosa Beach • El Segundo • Gardena • Hawthorne • Inglewood • Long Beach • Downtown LA & more.
Get your child a path forward, not a permanent setback. Call (310) 543-7708.
Common questions about juvenile cases in Los Angeles, California
What happens at a juvenile detention hearing?
A judge decides whether your child stays detained or goes home with conditions. We present release plans (schooling, counseling, supervision) to support home release.
Will my child have a jury?
No, juvenile trials are heard by a judge. That makes pre-hearing advocacy and evidentiary challenges even more important.
Can my child’s record be sealed?
Many juvenile records can be sealed after successful completion of terms and a waiting period. We advise on eligibility and file the petition when timing is right.
Is diversion possible?
Often yes for first-time or lower-level cases. We prepare mitigation and program placements to qualify your child.
What should I do if the school calls about an incident?
Gather facts, request the incident report, and avoid on-the-spot interviews. Call us before your child gives statements.
Could this be moved to adult court?
Only in specific serious cases. We contest transfer and highlight rehabilitation prospects to keep the matter in Juvenile Court.
Will my child be on probation?
Probation is common and may include counseling, school attendance, curfew, community service, and no-contact orders. We negotiate terms your family can meet.
How long does a juvenile case take?
Timelines vary by charge and court backlog, but juvenile matters typically move faster than adult cases. Early counsel helps compress timelines.
Do we have to go to every hearing?
Attendance is usually required for the minor and a parent/guardian. We’ll prepare you for each appearance and what to expect.
How much does this cost?
We offer clear fee structures and prioritize early moves that can reduce overall cost (diversion, negotiated resolutions, avoiding transfer).
