Juvenile Law Overview

In 1977, the Washington State Legislature passed the Juvenile Justice Act. While this law was enacted to improve consistency in criminal cases involving juveniles, it has also resulted in complicated procedural requirements and sentencing formulas. Alternatives such as diversion agreements and deferred adjudication and sentencing were later added to the mix. Caseloads at juvenile courts have increased dramatically in recent years, which has increased pressure on prosecutors, court-appointed attorneys and probation counselors.


All juveniles charged with crimes are entitled to court-appointed counsel regardless of a parent's ability to pay. While such counsel are usually very competent, their large caseloads can make it difficult for them to spend as much time with each client as they would like.


At Connolly, Tacon & Meserve we place emphasis upon personal service and accessibility. Your case is assigned to an experienced attorney who will carefully analyze your case, then thoughtfully and assertively negotiate with the prosecuting attorney. We will explain your options at each stage, and if a trial becomes necessary, we will aggressively represent your interests.






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juvenile Record Sealing:

 

Most juvenile conviction records can be sealed. Thereafter, the proceedings in the case are treated as if they never occurred and the person may reply accordingly about the events that led to the existence of those records. If a person's criminal history consists of a single participation in a diversion program, the record may be destroyed.


In order to seal the record of a juvenile conviction, the person asking for the sealing must have had no criminal referrals for a certain period of time. The waiting period depends upon the seriousness of the juveniles' criminal history. Some records can never be sealed or destroyed, such as class "A" felonies and sex offenses.


To initiate a proceeding to seal or destroy records, all of the original parties must be notified, including the prosecuting attorney, probation or parole, law enforcement, and/or the diversion agency. In addition, all record keepers, including the Washington State Patrol and the juvenile court clerk, must be notified. Absent an objection from any of these parties, the court will usually grant the request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




Juvenile Truancy

Parents in Washington State are responsible for school attendance of their children ages 8 to 17. A 16-year old may be exempted if he or she is regularly employed, has met high school graduation requirements or received a G.E.D. All school districts are required to notify parents in the event of any unexcused absence, and the school district must schedule a conference with the parent if a child has two or more unexcused absences during any month. If steps taken to eliminate the unexcused absences are not successful, the school district must file a petition asking the court to assume authority over the matter. If granted, the court may impose sanctions in the event of future unexcused absences.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juvenile Law Fees:

There is a consultation fee for this initial consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss the circumstances of the case with you and answer any questions you may have regarding the court process. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please call us.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juvenile Law Attorneys

 

Please contact us if you are in need of, or have questions regarding Juvenile Law.