Juvenile Court

As former prosecutors and now as defense lawyers Bruce McGregor and Robert Ernenwein have handled over a thousand juvenile cases. Juvenile cases encompass a variety of matters including felony and misdemeanor charges. In cases where a felony is charged the juvenile may be tried as an adult offender. McGregor & Ernenwein makes every possible effort to allow the client to remain in juvenile court. Juvenile court punishment is generally far less serious than adult court punishment. So called "fitness hearings" where the decision is made to try a client in juvenile or adult court are an important part of the process of representing a juvenile. Psychiatric reports, probation reports and legal arguments can be arranged to allow for the juvenile to remain in juvenile court.

Other juvenile cases include everything from simple possession of marijuana to felony assault to felony sexual abuse. The possible punishments are as varied as the charges. Generally punishments fall into four different categories. First, the juvenile may be sent home on probation. Second, the juvenile may be sent to a placement facility within the community such as a boys or girls home. Third, the juvenile may be sent to a camp facility. The camp may be a short term camp for as little as four months or a longer term camp which can be as long as 12 months. Finally, the juvenile may be sent to the California Youth Authority which is effectively a state prison for children.

Many juvenile clients can avoid a criminal record through procedures that include a deferred entry of judgement, informal probation with dismissal or a dismissal after formal probation. McGregor & Ernenwein can explain these options in depth at a free consultation. In addition, if a plea of no contest or a conviction occurs in a case the record can be sealed after the juvenile's 18th or 21st birthday. McGregor & Ernenwein has arranged "for the sealing" of juvenile records hundreds of times.

Bruce McGregor and Robert Ernenwein have been practicing law for over 20 years. Bruce McGregor and Robert Ernenwein are well versed and experienced in the area of juvenile court.

More Information:

• Alternative Sentencing
• Amend Criminal Record