Sonora Juvenile Crimes Attorney
Your Child Deserves a Second Chance
For those new to the adult justice system, legal processes and procedures are confusing enough, but usually at least somewhat familiar. The juvenile justice system, however, operates under completely different rules than the adult system, and can be overwhelming for even the most mature minor child and his or her family.
Some of the major differences between the adult criminal justice system and the juvenile courts system are that the juvenile courts offer no right to a jury trial and, if your child has been arrested, you have no right to free him or her by posting bail. Unfortunately, the differences are significant enough that confusion regarding juvenile courts procedures could result in missed opportunities to help protect your child’s rights or to get them released from custody. Our Sonora juvenile crimes lawyer has over 30 years of legal experience and can help steer your children to the right path.
Our clients have maintained a recidivism rate of less than 5% because we take the time to listen and find the root of the problem.
Common Juvenile Cases We Handle in CA
We have helped hundreds of families navigate the juvenile justice system, and get their children back on track. We understand that, as a parent, you may fear that your child may be taken from you, placed in foster care or in the home of a relative, end up in juvenile hall, or face a lifetime of educational, housing, and career related consequences.
We help by defending your child with compassion, commitment, and skill, regardless of whether your child is facing allegations of:
- A drug or alcohol offense
- Shoplifting
- Assault
- Delinquency/truancy
- A sex crime
- Gang-related crimes
- Vandalism
- Graffiti tagging
We handle the defense of all juvenile charges, and we do so by investing the time to learn about each child’s unique situation. We want to know your child’s background, whether there are any extenuating circumstances, and what your child’s plans for the future are. We work with minors and alleged juvenile offenders holistically, addressing issues relating to family dynamics, self-esteem, any possible abuse or violence in the home, gang activity in the neighborhood. and any problems they may be having in school.
Our Results from Juvenile Cases
Our juvenile clients have a low recidivism rate – our presence, and our taking the time to really listen to them, is genuinely helping them get their lives back on track. While we cannot guarantee any specific result for your child’s case, you can feel confident that we will protect your child’s rights and future. Countless letters from juvenile clients and their parents detailing how we have made a difference in their lives speak to our track record of success handling these cases.
If your child needs help, call our Sonora juvenile crimes lawyer at (209) 231-6506.
Putting People First
Helping Good People Out of Bad Situations
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"Charles is one of the BEST in the area."Charles is one of the best in the area. When I was in trouble and needed an attorney before court he came to the rescue. My family had sent another attorney to talk to me prior to court but the attorney cancelled on me and never gave a reason why. Luckily Charles was able to make a special appearance for me in court with very short notice. He was very sincere when I talked to him and he made me feel comfortable and gave me hope for the future, I highly recommend him!- Christy
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"best legal advice we have EVER received!"By far the best legal advice we have received EVER. Highly recommend Mr. Smith.
Last year we had an issue with our registered firearms. We didn't know if we needed to hire a lawyer or not. After one phone call with Mr. Smith he told my husband how to fill out the forms necessary for the safe return of our firearms. He also told my husband what to expect with the court process and fines we'd need to pay due to storage fees. He even advised us he did not need to be hired if we followed his steps - this proves this man is wonderful!
A couple of days ago we had another issue we needed to discuss with Mr. Smith. Once again he spoke with my husband and advised him we had nothing to worry about and talked us through the legal process. We thanked him for his help last year and for the wonderful free legal advice he gave us via phone.
Highly recommend this man, he's very knowledgeable.- Deb -
"The Best in the Business!"I am blessed to say that Charles is the best at what he does...HANDS DOWN!!!!!
He is truly a great person and very kind hearted. My wife and our 5 kids are blessed to have gained such a beautiful relationship with Charles, his wife Mary and kids.
I first met him in November of 2010. I was being charged with an assault with a deadly weapon(my hands were considered deadly) and gang enhancement charges. Upfront....I don't have a squeaky clean record and was facing this case with a strike on my adult record from a crime I committed when I was 17yrs. old in 1997 (which I served county time for). I made plenty of wrong choices growing up and Charles took the time to hear my side.
This case lasted over 3 years. From start of this case when I was initially bailed out, the DA took us back to court twice, YES TWICE to raise my bail and tried to remand me immediately. Nope, Charles wasn't having it. He filed motions and took the time to really understand the case in detail. And boy did he find loop holes. This might be a great time to say, "I AM INNOCENT!!!!!" BOTH attempts were declined. And that was just another sign confirmation that Charles was truly heaven sent.
Throughout the case, lasting 3yrs., we went to court several times from arraignment to increased bail hearings, pre-trial conferences (TWICE) in 12 months, and finally jury trial lasting months. He didn't back down from anything the DA pushed for me to take as a plea bargain. He found so many holes in the case, he carried my co-defendants and their lawyers on his shoulders as well. YES, even though my co-defendants had their own lawyers, CHARLES really fought for us all. I should also add that Charles postponed his much needed hip surgery to defend my innocence!!! He literally fought through his own physical pains to do so.
Through all the painful hardships, I'm blessed to say I WAS PROVEN INNOCENT!!!! (as well as my co-defendants)
I thank the Lord everyday for sending Charles into my life. His wife Mary is the best and she makes the best chocolate chip cookies. LOL. In all seriousness, she is the back bone for Charles and without her guidance as well, my wife and I can't thank her enough. Genuine!!!!! I recommend Charles to everyone I know.- Sione -
"Dedicated Professional!"Today was the end of a 3 year emotionally draining roller coaster ride centered on a mistake my son made. I can only praise God for creating the wonderfully caring human that is Charles Smith. His warm,caring and witty demeanor guided my son and I through the darkest period of our lives and finally into the light. He constantly assured us for almost 3 years that everything would be fine and he was true to his word. A very rare occurrence these days that only a dedicated professional like Charles could make a reality. Clarence Darrow would be very proud of you Charles. Thank you for being our true friend and should you ever need our help just ask and you shall receive it. God bless!!- Mike
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"Went above and beyond representing me."Charles is an extraordinary gentleman. He went above and beyond representing me and has transformed my life and the lives of those around me for the better. I highly recommend him.- R.H.
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"Thank you for proving my husband's innocence."I don't have much to say, but the fact of the matter is, if Charles wasn't in the courtroom for us, I wouldn't have my husband with me for another 10 or 20 years. Thank you for proving his innocence! I'm eternally grateful. Even 2 yrs after the 3 yr long court case is over. I still think of all you've done.
God Bless Charles & thank you!- Claudia -
"Charles is your guy!"No one ever WANTS to need an attorney, but if you do, Charles is your guy! As someone who values face-to-face interactions with those I work with, I had never met Charles in person. However, I did not feel like there was a disconnect in our phone calls. He was attentive, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. While I hope never to need an attorney again, Charles will remain in my emergency phone contacts!- Deanna
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"Mr. Smith takes care of business 100%!"Charles helped me and my former roommate to beat a 3 strikes case in 2009. Both of our cases were tried as 25 years to life and we both got out after a year served in the county. Mr. Smith takes care of business 100%. Thank you very much Sir and God Bless you great job well done- Orlando