Youth under the age of 18 accused of crimes in Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood are charged in juvenile court. In some cases, the severity of the allegations elevate the case to adult criminal court. While consequences in juvenile cases are often focused on rehabilitation instead of punitive ramifications, there are many reasons to hire a Denver juvenile crimes attorney for your child. As experienced criminal lawyers in Colorado, we've seen far too many cases where a teenager is falsely accused or overcharged and ends up with unnecessary obstacles because they didn't know where to turn. Sawyer Legal Group is here to help. Whether your child has been accused of possessing controlled substances, underage drinking and driving, a violent crime, or a sex offense, securing determined representation early on is critical to their future.

Juvenile Crimes in Denver - Arrest or Summons?

Minors 17 or younger accused of crimes are sometimes not even aware of the situation until their parents / guardian are contacted by police, the teen is arrested, or they receive a summons in the mail. If any of these apply to your family's situation, contact our office as soon as possible. There are also cases where a child's school will contact the family to inform them of a situation with a peer or classmate. It is important to consult a juvenile lawyer before you or your child provide answers to a school's administrator / counselor or law enforcement.

Adjudication for Juveniles in Denver, Arapahoe, and Jefferson County

Penalties for youth adjudicated for delinquency charges vary from case to case. Just because a peer your child knows was sentenced to community service and counseling doesn't mean your case will be the same. Possible consequences include:

• fines,
• restitution,
• counseling or therapy,
• community service,
• juvenile detention (Juvi Hall),
• probation

In more serious cases that involve violence or unlawful sexual behavior, the case can be tried in adult criminal court (direct file). An experienced defense attorney by your side is especially important in these cases as your child faces incarceration, a criminal record, and substantial fines.

Denver's Leading Juvenile Defense Attorneys

Each and every minor accused of a crime deserves devoted defense. We all know teenagers and youth make mistakes. However, inaccurate, false, embellished, or exaggerated claims from alleged victims shouldn't cost your child their reputation and block future opportunities. Sawyer Legal Group has decades of combined experience successfully fighting criminal charges against juveniles throughout Colorado and our reviews speak for themselves. Perhaps your kid was in the wrong place at the wrong time, didn't do what they're being accused of, or made a poor choice in the moment. Nevertheless, our experienced juvenile crime lawyers are prepared for their unique case - and we fight to win.

Talk to us about allegations against your child - not the police. 303-830-0880

Photo by Tim Mossholder