If your child is arrested or charged with a crime in Colorado, it can come as a shock your family. As a parent, you may be wondering: What will happen next? Is this going to be on my child’s record forever? How can I get their future back on track?
We understand that these are serious problems at The McDowell Law Firm. Juvenile criminal allegations can have severe consequences, even if the justice system claims to want to assist.
That is why you need a dedicated juvenile defense attorney who understands how Colorado’s juvenile courts work. A skilled attorney will develop an effective defense strategy to advocate for your child’s rights.
We believe that one slip-up should not determine the future of a child. We are present to provide sound guidance and firm advice for families navigating the juvenile justice system. Let our juvenile defense lawyer assist in safeguarding what you value most—your child’s future.
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.
Therefore, 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.
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.
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.
There are not two cases where young people are alike. Having the same defense in all cases can complicate things or miss opportunities for assistance. At The McDowell Law Firm, our juvenile defense lawyer thoroughly reviews every detail of your child’s case. It benefits us by helping them develop a legal plan that meets their individual needs and objectives.
We initially examined whether the arrest was legal and whether your child’s rights were violated. Were their rights read to them correctly? Was a parent present with them when they were being questioned? Was evidence obtained illegally? These can reveal legal issues that can reduce the charges to a lesser degree or have them dismissed.
Where available, our Colorado Springs juvenile crime attorneys will consider advocating for pre-trial diversion. This system allows juveniles not to be formally charged with offenses by completing different requirements. These may include counseling, community service, or drug education. The charges are dropped after the diversion program is completed.
Our juvenile criminal defense attorney can also discuss deferred adjudication. This lets the court delay a final judgment while your child follows conditions like probation. If they complete it successfully, the charges can be dropped, and they may qualify to expunge their record.
We develop a complete defense strategy for more serious or complex cases and ready ourselves to proceed to trial. Our firm’s best juvenile defense attorney explores options such as having witnesses or presenting an expert’s opinion. Even challenging how the prosecution explains the events can be fruitful.
An experienced criminal defense attorney for juveniles nudges the court to see your child as a person instead of a criminal. They can make the judge realize that your kid has more to offer than the offense they are charged with. We also deal with any mental illness or development issues that are relevant. In most cases involving youth, unaddressed mental illness or trauma can impact the behavior that led to the arrest.
Our top priority is always the same: preserving your child’s freedom, future, and dignity.
You need an effective attorney when your teen is in trouble with the law. Working with teens takes more than knowledge of the law. It’s an outstanding knowledge of teens’ thoughts, family relationships, and court procedures. Juvenile jurisdiction and its legal ramifications can vastly differ from adult court.
The juvenile criminal defense lawyer is highly experienced in criminal and juvenile defense. We have represented young people throughout the state of Colorado. You can rely on our services to fight accusations of either simple shoplifting or more severe felony charges. A skilled juvenile offense lawyer practices compassion and preparation when handling cases.
Furthermore, the best juvenile defense lawyer believes that young people have an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward from errors.
At The McDowell Law Firm, our Colorado Springs juvenile criminal defense attorney treats every case seriously. You get personalized care and vigorous representation from start to finish. We are upfront and honest with families, walk them through every step of the process, and never handle your child’s future like a case number.
The primary purpose of the juvenile justice system is to provide an opportunity for a second chance. If your child is not well represented, they will never have one. One blunder, misstep, or poor choice should not define an entire life.
At The McDowell Law Firm, our juvenile criminal defense attorney doesn’t believe justice is only about punishment. It’s about fairness, dignity, and the opportunity to turn things around. We’re here to advocate for your child’s rights and promote rehabilitation over jail time.
Trust our solutions to move forward as a family with strength and confidence.
If your child has been arrested or charged with a crime in Colorado, don’t delay. The earlier you call us, the sooner we can build a solid defense. Let a juvenile defense attorney help you protect your child’s future—and provide your family with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
