Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyers
At O’Connor, Runckel & O’Malley, we fight for the rights of your children charged with criminal offenses throughout Northern California.
When a young family member gets in trouble with the law, it’s important to take immediate action on that young person’s behalf. Hiring the attorneys at O’Connor, Runckel & O’Malley gives you a chance to turn your child’s life around.
As parents, you need to approach the matter very seriously. As former Deputy District Attorneys and a Superior Court Judge, with over 45 years of experience, Thomas O’Connor, Jason Runckel and Daniel O’Malley have extensive experience handling juvenile cases from DUI, Theft, Drug Possession and Sales, Assault, Battery, Carjacking, Robbery, Gangs, Attempted Murder and Murder. The attorneys at O’Connor, Runckel & O’Malley have handled thousands of juvenile cases. We provide effective, aggressive courtroom defense for juveniles facing a trial in either juvenile or adult court and offer the special attention juvenile court proceedings require.
Juveniles under the age of 18 are usually charges with crimes that are handled in juvenile court. These special courts are separate from the adult criminal courts system and are designed to meet the special needs of children and teenagers charged with crimes. Juvenile courts are also designed to rehabilitate, counsel and educate children, whereas adult criminal courts are more likely to focus on punishment.
However, a minor may still face the possibility of
- Incarceration in the California Youth Authority
- Certification to Adult Court
- Jail time in a local Detention Facility
- Lengthy and Restrictive Probation Periods
It’s extremely important, in the case of juvenile offenders, to try to balance accountability with opportunities for learning and change. The juvenile defense attorneys at O’Connor, Runckel & O’Malley work to minimize the long-term consequences and negative impact of a juvenile crime by seeking alternatives to the California Youth Authority whenever available. These can include good behavior programs, drug school, traffic school, and probation.
The attorneys at O’Connor, Runckel & O’Malley are well known and respected throughout the legal community and among our clients. From our offices in Contra Costa County, San Francisco and Sacramento, we serve clients throughout Northern California. Our experience and expertise are available to you.
