Being charged with committing a crime is a very serious affair, and much more so when the accused is a juvenile. Colorado law defines a juvenile as a person at least ten (10) years of age and under 18 years of age. C.R.S. 19-1-103(18), (68) & C.R.S. 19-2-104(1)(a). Shoplifting or riding a skateboard in a prohibited area are not the only crimes being prosecuted against a juvenile. In today's get tough on crime attitude, children as young as twelve (12) years old are being tried as adults for serious violent felonies. If your child has been accused or charged with committing a crime, misdemeanor or felony, call David Owen or another skilled attorney as soon as possible. You and your child's rights are at stake and any delay may be more costly. The prospect of a lenghty jail sentence, parole supervision and a felony record, makes the need to engage an attorney paramount.
Under Colorado law, the parent of a child convicted with a crime is personally liable for damages or restitution. The parent is required to attend all proceedings and the court can impose contempt sanctions for failure to attend. The court will also impose responsibilites on the parents of a juvenile to cooperate and participate in the assessment and treatment of their children. It is also within the court's discretion to impose community service upon a parent as part of the juvenile's treatment program. C.R.S. 19-2-113.
The effects of a conviction for a juvenile can last a lifetime. Some schools, colleges and universities may block admission for someone with a juvenile criminal record. Some employers will not hire someone with a juvenile criminal record. On a darker side, a child who has made a mistake may be locked up with other, more "experienced" juveniles and that child may be started down a path that has only worse outcomes. Mr. Owen understands this fact of life and will fight hard to make sure your child does not become another victim of the system.
In the course of investigating a crime, law enforcement personnel can NOT talk with a person under the age of 18 unless a parent or other legal guardian gives permission. As a parent, you must insist on consulting an attorney prior to giving that permission and insist on being present during questioning. This will be a difficult time for both the child and the parent. A knowledgeable and skilled attorney can help make this process understandable and protect the rights of the child and the parent. With 21 years of experience, David Owen can help you and your child through this difficult time.
Contact my firm to discuss your fraud case in a free initial 30 minute consultation. My office, located in Highlands Ranch, is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For your convenience, my firm is available by phone 24 hours a day and offers same day appointments. I also make jail visits and am available for evening and weekend appointments upon request.
Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
Law Office of David L. Owen, Jr, P.C.
8854 S. Miners Street
Highlands Ranch, CO, 80126
Telephone: 720-863-4292
Toll-Free: 866-768-0506