Parents have the right to be present while police are interrogating their children. They also have the right to consent as to whether or not a child can answer questions or make statements. Parents can also be held accountable for the actions of their children. They can be sued in civil court for damages caused to the victim, forced to participate in parenting classes, lose custody of their children and even be charged with abuse, endangerment or neglect.
Josh McDowell is a former juvenile prosecutor who understands Colorado’s juvenile justice system. He is also the father of three boys. He understands that young people make mistakes, and that it doesn’t have to affect their future.
The Colorado juvenile system is distinct from the adult criminal justice system. It follows the purpose of rehabilitating young people rather than punishment. Even with good intentions, however, the system can often appear cruel, confusing, and merciless to youth and their families.
In the juvenile court, the cases are typically decided by a judge rather than a jury. The language is also different: children are not “convicted” but “adjudicated delinquent.” A trial is an “adjudicatory hearing.” Sentences are “dispositions.” These are how the system’s unique purposes are expressed, but they can also confuse outsiders.
Certain serious crimes, or repeating the same crime repeatedly, may result in prosecutors requesting that a juvenile be tried as an adult. This is called a “direct file” or an adult court transfer, which can result in the youth receiving adult punishments, such as jail.
Having an attorney on your side from the beginning is extremely important.
With The McDowell Law Firm, we are familiar with how Colorado juvenile court operates. We walk families through detention hearings, pre-trial conferences, and dispositional hearings. That contributes to safeguarding your child’s rights along the way.
Juvenile crimes can encompass anything from school fights to violent crimes. These are usually committed due to poor choices, peer pressure, or emotional issues—all of which are generally not taken into account in court.
The most prevalent offenses among Colorado youth include petty theft and shoplifting. Although these offenses may appear minor initially, if not managed effectively, they can result in restitution at the court’s discretion or probation.
Property destruction and vandalism are also common. When the damage from graffiti, breaking windows, or whatever form of destruction is expensive, the crime can result in felony charges. Assault usually stems from school fights or social location arguments. It can lead to serious charges if someone is hurt. Even if your child was defending themselves, the legal repercussions are severe. Underage drinking and DUIs are also prevalent every day, particularly among older adolescents.
A Minors’ legal limit is extremely low for a UDD in Colorado. Thus, any alcohol can lead to a criminal charge, like a Minor in Possession (MIP), license suspension, and education or treatment. Our juvenile defense attorney often helps young people who are charged with having drugs without a prescription. In Colorado, adults can legally use marijuana, but having marijuana is still a crime for anyone under 21.
Nowadays, cyberbullying, sexting, and internet harassment are more prevalent. They can lead to charges that compel one to potentially register as a sex offender.
Each of these situations requires a sensitive and special strategy. At The McDowell Law Firm, juvenile crimes are not always black-and-white. Our Colorado Springs juvenile criminal defense lawyer examines everything—intent, peer pressure, mental state, and personal factors—to develop a defense that presents the whole picture.
While your child is in the justice system, it affects your entire family. As a guardian or parent, you are significant. You provide emotional support to your child and contribute to deciding what happens next and the legal process.
You have a right to be informed when your child is arrested and be present when questioned. Police generally need a parent or attorney to be with them when a youth is questioned. You also have a right to have your child talk to a defense attorney and to make choices regarding their legal strategy and rehabilitation.
These rights have responsibilities. You must ensure that your child complies with all court orders. Moreover, they must appear at scheduled hearings and participate in required therapy. The court may also request that you participate in family counseling or parent education classes as part of your child’s plan.
Balancing these duties and dealing with one’s needs and feelings simultaneously can be challenging. That is why our office emphasizes communication and collaboration with parents.
Our juvenile defense attorney will assist you with what to anticipate, how to care for your child, and what actions can result in the most favorable outcome.
When a young person enters the criminal justice system, the repercussions can extend far beyond the courtroom. A juvenile offense can affect their future, which most families are initially unaware of. Being cognizant of these long-term repercussions when making legal decisions is essential.
Most higher education colleges require applicants to disclose any criminal history when they apply. A juvenile record can drastically reduce a student’s chances of getting college admission. Even a minor violation (such as marijuana charges) can compromise their chances of landing scholarships. Specific colleges might view such records as risk or character indicators. They can complicate the applicant’s prospects.
Employers typically screen records when hiring people. Even if the crime was not violent, a juvenile record is a red flag that will lead a prospective employer to turn down an application. This problem can make getting good job prospects at a pivotal point in life harder.
Military service provides discipline, education, and job experience—but a juvenile record might be a problem. The military scrutinizes an applicant’s juvenile record closely. Thus, some offenses can permanently bar an individual, shutting the door to a promising future.
A record may also impact having a home. Landlords and housing agencies will examine an individual’s criminal record when determining whom they will rent to. Thus, youth with records will have difficulty finding stable and secure homes as they age.
The consequences for some traffic offenses may result in the suspension or loss of a driver’s license. For most teenagers, this can be a significant problem. It may prevent them from working, attending school, or taking care of other responsibilities independently.
Contact with the juvenile justice system can have deeply emotional consequences. It can pile upon the existing legal and functional ramifications. Adolescents may feel stigmatized by others, shunned by peers, and hopeless, and this can carry forward into adulthood. These emotional consequences can be as devastating as any legal sanction. Thus, compassionate and prudent legal counsel is particularly crucial.
In severe cases, youth who are convicted and tried as adults face very adult penalties. It might be a cycle of imprisonment that is difficult to escape from.
That is why early legal representation matters that much. Our juvenile criminal lawyer does not merely seek to fix your child’s problems and guard their future opportunities. Wherever possible, our juvenile criminal attorney obtains resolutions that include sealing or expungement of records. It enables us to give your child an actual chance to begin again.
No two juvenile cases are the same. We build the defense around the specific facts of your child’s case, their needs, and the possible consequences they are facing.
We start by reviewing how the case began. Was the stop or arrest lawful? Was your child properly advised of their rights? Was the questioning handled correctly? Was any evidence obtained illegally? Problems in the investigation can affect what evidence may be used and, in some cases, may lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
When appropriate, we may pursue juvenile diversion. Diversion can allow a young person to avoid a traditional prosecution by completing requirements such as counseling, community service, classes, or drug and alcohol education. Successful completion may result in the case being dismissed and can affect eligibility for expungement.
We can also evaluate whether a deferred adjudication or similar negotiated resolution is available. These agreements generally allow a juvenile to complete court-ordered conditions before the case is ultimately dismissed. Depending on the circumstances, the juvenile may later be eligible to have the record expunged.
At the same time, we prepare every case with trial in mind. We investigate the facts, review the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and build a complete defense strategy.
A good criminal defense attorney also makes sure the court sees your child as a person, not just a case file. Mental health concerns, developmental issues, family circumstances, trauma, school performance, and other factors may be important in understanding what happened and reaching an appropriate outcome.
Our priority is protecting your child’s future. That means defending their rights now while also working to reduce the long-term impact of the case.
When your child is accused of a crime, you need a lawyer who understands both Colorado juvenile law and the challenges families face when a teenager enters the court system.
Juvenile cases are different from adult criminal cases. The procedures, possible consequences, available programs, and long-term effects can all be different. A strong juvenile defense requires careful preparation, a clear understanding of the juvenile justice system, and the ability to work effectively with both young people and their families.
The McDowell Law Firm represents juveniles facing charges ranging from shoplifting and other lower-level offenses to serious felony allegations. Every case deserves a careful review of the evidence, the police investigation, the statements involved, and the options available in juvenile court.
We also understand that one mistake should not define a young person’s future. Juvenile court should account for accountability, rehabilitation, education, and the opportunity to move forward.
At The McDowell Law Firm, we take every juvenile case seriously. Families receive direct communication, clear advice, and strong representation from the beginning of the case through its resolution. We explain the process, answer your questions, and treat your child’s future with the attention it deserves.
The juvenile justice system is supposed to give young people a chance to learn from mistakes and move forward. One bad decision should not define the rest of your child’s life.
At The McDowell Law Firm, we believe juvenile cases should be handled with fairness, perspective, and a clear focus on your child’s future. Our goal is to protect your child’s rights, challenge the evidence when appropriate, and pursue outcomes that emphasize rehabilitation rather than unnecessary punishment.
A juvenile case can affect your entire family. We help you understand what is happening, what comes next, and what options may be available.
If your child has been arrested or charged with a crime in Colorado, getting legal advice early can make a difference. The sooner we become involved, the sooner we can review the evidence, identify potential problems with the case, and begin building a defense.
Your child’s future matters. We are here to help you protect it.
