When a child is convicted of a crime, the prosecution can choose whether or not to try that boy or girl in an adult court or a juvenile court. Those who are tried in a juvenile court typically receive lighter sentences including juvenile hall instead of prison. There are often more options for rehabilitation and classes in juvenile courts, whereas children that are tried in adult court may be sent to jail or prison for their offenses. Recently, a young woman came to us after she was charged with a number of felony offenses for stabbing a police officer and assaulting a paramedic. These serious crimes would have cost her about 15 years in prison if she had been tried in adult court, because of the serious sentences for felony assaults.
When the District Attorney’s office attempted to transfer our client to adult court and force her to face these potential sentences, we stepped in. At Gounaris Abboud, LPA, we were able to show the prosecution that this young lady needed to stay in the juvenile system. When they agreed, the trial was conducted and the teenager was sent to juvenile hall instead. She will need to remain in custody where she will receive treatment in a therapeutic setting for one year. After this year, she will be released.
When your child is in need of a lawyer, you don’t want to hire just anyone. You want your loved one to have the best local representation possible. You want an attorney who will fight for your child as if it was their own child who was facing serious charges. At Gounaris Abboud, LPA, we care about our clients. We will go the distance and do whatever we can to prove that they are innocent or reduce their sentences.
Speak with a lawyer at our firm today if you want more information on what we can do for you!