Juvenile Offenses

Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyers

At O’Connor & Runckel, we fight for the rights of your children charged with criminal offenses throughout the Bay Area.

When a young family member gets in trouble with the law, it's important to take immediate action on that young person's behalf.  Hiring the attorneys at O’Connor & Runckel gives you a chance to turn your child's life around.

As parents, you need to approach the matter very seriously.  Former District Attorneys with over 22 years of experience, Thomas O’Connor and Jason Runckel have extensive experience handling juvenile cases from DUI, Theft, Drug Possession and Sales, Assault, Battery, Carjacking, Robbery, Gangs, Attempted Murder and Murder.  The attorneys at O’Connor & Runckel have handled thousands of juvenile cases.  We provide effective, aggressive courtroom defense for juveniles facing a trial in either juvenile or adult court and offer the special attention juvenile court proceedings require.

Juveniles under the age of 18 are usually charges with crimes that are handled in juvenile court. These special courts are separate from the adult criminal courts system and are designed to meet the special needs of children and teenagers charged with crimes. Juvenile courts are also designed to rehabilitate, counsel and educate children, whereas adult criminal courts are more likely to focus on punishment.

However, a minor may still face the possibility of:

• Incarceration in the California Youth Authority
• Certification to Adult Court
• Jail time in a local Detention Facility
• Lengthy and Restrictive Probation Periods

It's extremely important, in the case of juvenile offenders, to try to balance accountability with opportunities for learning and change. The juvenile defense attorneys at O’Connor & Runckel work to minimize the long-term consequences and negative impact of a juvenile crime by seeking alternatives to the California Youth Authority whenever available. These can include good behavior programs, drug school, traffic school, and probation.

The attorneys at O’Connor & Runckel are well known and respected throughout the legal community and among our clients. From our office in Contra Costa County, we serve clients throughout the Bay Area. Our experience and expertise are available to you.