Breckenridge Juvenile Crime Defense Attorneys
Defending Juveniles Facing Criminal Charges in Summit County
If you are the parent of a juvenile facing conviction in Summit County, you know the effect their arrest can have on your entire family. An arrest can devastate your child’s future, interrupting their current and future educational goals. Our Breckenridge juvenile crime lawyer can help your family overcome these difficult circumstances.
When you trust Whitaker & Penix, LLC to handle your child’s case, we can review your child’s rights, which can vary from those of an adult. We can also carefully review the charges against them, assess possible plea deals, and fight to keep their case in juvenile versus adult court. This can help minimize the penalties they face and the damage to their future.
Common Juvenile Crimes In Colorado
Many times, juvenile defendants engage in crimes because they face peer pressure. In some cases, a simple prank may go too far. The state, however, views these actions as crimes and punishes youthful defendants accordingly. The following list describes some of the crimes common to juvenile defendants:
- Drug or alcohol possession
- Shoplifting
- Graffiti
- Keying cars
- Littering
- Loitering
- Violating curfew
- Driving without a license
- Trespassing
- Using a fake ID
If your son or daughter is a minor and was arrested in Summit County and accused of committing one of these crimes, we can help. Our Breckenridge criminal defense attorney can help navigate the complex juvenile court system. At the same time, we may help them avoid the adult court system so your entire family can focus on getting its life back on track.
Juvenile Versus Adult Court
In the juvenile court system, a criminal act is referred to as a delinquent act, and the court aims for rehabilitation versus punishment. The court considers an offender a juvenile if they are between ten and 18 years old and:
- Violate specific federal and state laws
- Violate laws regarding tobacco and alcohol
- Violate certain county or municipal ordinances
According to Colorado’s Office of Legislative Legal Services, the court can transfer a minor’s case to adult court. If that happens, your child will face the corresponding adult penalties and sentences.
Instead of months of rehabilitation, your child might be subjected to years of confinement in a local jail or state prison. We can fight to keep your child’s case in the youthful offender system, according to C.R.S § 18-1.3-407.
Criminal Conviction Can Derail Your Child’s Life
Your child may not have realized the far-reaching impact their actions can have. Being convicted of a crime in Breckenridge—particularly if the state opts to try them as an adult—could mean:
- Social stigma that is hard to overcome
- Charges that follow them as adults
- Education and employment consequences
- Reduced future earning power
It can also disrupt your child’s social life and hamper their goals for higher education. In addition, your entire family could face harsh community and societal consequences, which can make an already difficult situation even more stressful.
How Our Breckenridge Criminal Attorneys Assist Juvenile Defendants
At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we believe in second chances. Kylie Whitaker has seven years of experience as a criminal prosecutor and former assistant DA in Breckenridge. She even makes herself available for your family 24 hours a day. Ehren Penix has three years of experience as a criminal prosecutor and four years in private practice.
When we defend clients against juvenile crimes in Summit County, we start with a free 30-minute phone call to learn more about the case. In addition, we can help:
- Negotiate beneficial plea deals
- Fight to stay in the juvenile courts
- Locate and interview witnesses
- Examine the detail of your arrest
- Keep you updated on the case
Our Breckenridge juvenile crime attorneys also bring a personal touch to every case we handle. Your family deserves communicative, responsive support, and we can make sure you get it.
Read About Our Supportive Criminal Defense Team
We believe every client we represent deserves the most supportive environment, the most effective defense, and the best possible outcome. Previous clients who have experienced all three say:
“Kylie was very professional and very personable. Listened to all I had to say, understood her audience, and knows the system. She kept me informed every step and was available when needed. Strongly suggest working with her and her team!!” — Eric S.
“Whitaker & Penix, LLC was very helpful to me. Kylie is friendly and professional. She was able to answer all of my questions with quick responses. I would highly recommend Whitaker & Penix, LLC to anyone in need of an attorney.” — Austin P.
When your child’s future is at risk, our juvenile defense team can step in. Read more reviews like these on our testimonials page to see why you can trust our team to do all it can for your child.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation
If your family is struggling to help your teenager overcome a criminal arrest in Breckenridge, our team at Whitaker & Penix, LLC can work with you. We value your family’s peace of mind and believe you should not have to fight for your child alone. Find out more by contacting our Breckenridge criminal defense lawyers at (970) 368-0602 today.