Juvenile Offenses

Conviction on a juvenile charge can rapidly change the trajectory of a child's life. Fortunately, minors facing a juvenile charge have alternative sentencing options available. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you examine all of your child's options and come up with a plan that is in your child's best interest.

At the Spokane Law Offices of Christian J. Phelps, we take the defense of juveniles very seriously, and we will do all we can to protect your child's future.

For a free consultation to discuss your goals and concerns, contact our office today. We are here to help.

Understanding the Juvenile Justice Process

If your son or daughter has been brought in on a juvenile charge, there will be an automatic detention hearing within one to two days of the arrest. If the juvenile court system is new to you and your family, you should talk to an experienced defense lawyer who can help you understand what to expect from the process.

While the state must provide a public defender, the defender is generally not available on short notice. We understand that you want to reach someone and get answers immediately. We also understand that your child's future hangs in the balance, and we are ready to address all of your concerns during a free initial consultation.

There are no juries in juvenile cases. Rather, all issues are decided by a judge. If your child faces any of the following juvenile charges, we can help:

We also protect the rights of minors charged as adults. If possible, we will fight to reduce the charges to juvenile crime charges. If a reduction is not possible, we know how to handle the rigors of the criminal courts of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Juvenile Charge Consequences

The juvenile court structure differs from the adult criminal court structure because it is based on rehabilitation, not just punishment. The maximum penalty for a juvenile charge is incarceration until age 21. We will always explore every alternative sentencing option available, as well as all options for having the charge reduced or dismissed.

Contact Us

Since negotiation is such an important part of the juvenile law process, you need to make sure you speak with an experienced lawyer about your strategy before your child's detention hearing. Talk to an experienced attorney and discover what to expect. For a free initial consultation, contact us via email or by phone at 509-323-2420.