Fresno Juvenile Crime Punishment
Few things are more frightening to parents than when their child is accused of a juvenile crime in Fresno. Guilty or not, they envision the entire future of the child ruined, fraught with a criminal record, or even prison time and repeated offenses. Fortunately, the California Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) views Fresno juvenile crime cases very differently. Naturally, it recognizes that some violent Fresno juvenile crimes must be punished severely, potentially trying minor offenders as adults. But, it views the typical Fresno juvenile crime case as a cry for help that needs rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Juvenile crime punishment in Fresno
When a child is convicted of a juvenile crime case in Fresno, the court can act in a number of ways:
- Allow the child to return home under court supervision
- Assign the child to an unlocked facility away from home, such as a group home
- Assign the child to a locked facility
It is important to know that whatever the juvenile crime punishments in Fresno may be, the mission of the DJJ is to combine protecting the public from criminal activity with a wide range of rehabilitation services that include training and treatment. Its goal is to help youthful offenders become valued members of the community. In fact, the length of punishment is not set as part of sentencing. Rather, it is based on a combination of the severity of the crime and the ability of the offender to demonstrate rehabilitation and eligibility for parole.
A juvenile criminal defense attorney can make a difference
Selecting an attorney with experience in Fresno juvenile crime cases can make a major difference in the case of a youthful offender. In addition to providing a solid defense, the attorney can play an important role after a child has been released. In many cases, offenders in juvenile crime cases in Fresno can have their records expunged, essentially making it appear that no crime was ever committed. This can greatly affect the success of the child throughout life.
For an experienced and committed juvenile defense attorney, contact the Law Office of Rick Berman today for a free consultation.
