If there is one thing that is certain, it’s that kids will get into trouble. After all, they’re still learning what is or is not acceptable, and they will go through phases where they push back against authority.
The unfortunate truth about that is that the wrong actions can still get them into trouble with the law. Juvenile offenses need to be taken seriously because they can have a lasting impact.
Did you know that California has a three-strikes law?
Based on this law, a juvenile conviction can lead to a strike, which can result in more significant consequences on subsequent offenses. The good news is that your attorney can work with you to try to find alternative charges or manners of handling the situation that will help your child avoid lasting consequences.
In the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the statute stated that a person could face life in prison if they had committed a serious violent felony and had two or more previous convictions (one of which was a serious violent felony or serious drug offense). It’s important to note that the state did amend the three-strikes law, making it less severe than it once was. However, the sentencing enhancements still have the potential to have a significant impact on a person’s life, even if they’re a juvenile.
No matter how old your child is, if they get into trouble with the law, it’s essential that they have a good defense. You may think that this is less serious because of their age, but the reality is that a conviction at this point can have lifelong consequences in some cases.