EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

JUVENILE CRIMES

As a comprehensive defense practice, Intermountain Legal assists parents whose children have been accused of criminal or delinquent conduct in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah.

Understanding Juvenile Offenses

In Utah, the Juvenile Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over youths less than 18 years of age who violate any federal, state, or municipal law. In addition, the Court has exclusive jurisdiction in traffic offenses involving minors related to automobile homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, joy riding, and fleeing a police officer.

Utah Juvenile Justice Services (JJS) treats juvenile offenders as people who need rehabilitation instead of criminal punishment. Therefore, juveniles are not "convicted" of a crime, but are found to have engaged in delinquent conduct. However, while juvenile law was initially aimed toward rehabilitating young offenders, it has changed into a system in which juvenile records and adjudications can follow your children into adulthood. Attending college, joining the military, and obtaining gainful employment are all more difficult with a juvenile record.

The Juvenile Justice Process

When a child has been arrested, he or she is not released on bail or bond. Rather, juvenile offenders may be placed in locked detention or taken to a receiving center. Delinquent youth can only be held in locked detention if a Juvenile Court judge orders detention, or if they are arrested for a "holdable offense" per the Statewide Detention Admission Guidelines. A "holdable offense" includes:

  • Auto theft
  • Home burglary
  • Assault
  • Sale and use of drugs
  • Armed robbery
  • Aggravated burglary

On the other hand, receiving centers provide a location for local law enforcement to take minors after arrest for status offenses or delinquent acts that do not meet the Detention Admission Guidelines. If the minor is taken to a receiving center, he or she may be released home, referred to Youth Services for counseling or a time out, or referred to other services for additional help. The Court may require a meeting with an intake probation officer who decides if the minor must see a judge, a commissioner, or whether the meeting sufficiently addresses the offense.

Within 48 hours of being arrested for a holdable offense, the minor will receive a Detention Hearing. The Detention Hearing decides whether the minor will remain in locked detention, be placed in home detention, or return home or to a less restrictive placement until the Juvenile Court Hearing, which decides guilt or innocence, and the punishment for the offense. If found guilty, the judge may order the minor to JJS custody or order other sanctions, such as fines, payment of restitution to victims, probation, additional detention, or work camp.

Under Utah law, serious juvenile offenders may be transferred to adult court. Certification and conviction as an adult takes the child out of the juvenile justice system and allows him or her to receive an adult prison sentence. We work tirelessly to keep children out of the adult system, so that they may move forward without the stigma of a criminal record.

Seek Experienced, Knowledgeable Representation

Juvenile offenses should not be taken lightly, as they can have a lasting impact on a child's life. If your child has been charged with a crime or delinquent conduct, it is critical that you seek experienced legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure your child's rights are protected. We understand how to handle these delicate cases, guiding parents so that they can make informed choices about their child's defense. Put your child's future in capable hands; contact Intermountain Legal today for a free initial consultation.

For additional information on Juvenile Crimes, see the following sections:


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STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.

STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

 
JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

 
MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

 
JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

 
HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.