In Colorado, a child can currently be charged with a crime when they are only ten years old. These cases are generally prosecuted in juvenile court and referred to as delinquency matters. Children are not convicted of crimes, but determined to be delinquent – although most of the same procedures and penalties are still applicable. Children can be sentenced to probation, juvenile detention or placed in a juvenile correctional facility.
While there is a movement to change Colorado’s approach to prosecuting pre-teen children, this is an important area of law for many adolescents and their families. From petty teenage misbehavior to serious pre-adult accusations of domestic violence and sexual assault, juvenile courts handle the full spectrum of criminal cases involving young people.
The rules, procedures and opportunities in juvenile court are different than adult court. There are more people involved, more opportunities for intervention, different possible penalties and limited rights to a jury trial. Successful resolution of juvenile cases can result in sealed records and can avoid many of the serious future ramifications of juvenile cases.
The attorneys at the Datz Law Firm have handled hundreds of juvenile cases. We can help you evaluate your options and reach a positive resolution.