If your child is arrested in Greeley or Weld County, they can be sent to either Juvenile Detention or a Juvenile Youth Diversion Program. Both Juvenile Detention and Diversion Programs are aimed at rehabilitating minors instead of punishing them. However, they still serve different functions for a juvenile who has been arrested and criminally charged. Below, our juvenile attorneys discuss juvenile court cases, and why it is crucial to have a skilled juvenile defense lawyer fighting for the best possible outcome in your child’s case. If your child is facing a criminal charge in Fort Collins or Larimer County, you can find help here.
What is Juvenile Court in Weld County?
When minors under the age of 18 are arrested in Weld County, their cases are heard at the Juvenile Court. Following the minor’s arrest, there is a detention hearing within 48 hours. During this hearing, a judge reviews the charges and decides whether the juvenile should remain in custody at the Juvenile Detention Center or be released to his or her parents until the next hearing. After subsequent hearings, the juvenile will either be adjudicated for the offense and have a juvenile criminal record, or the magistrate or judge can allow them to enter a Juvenile Diversion Program. The District Attorney’s office generally runs the Diversion Program. Whether your child was just arrested or is further along in the court process, it is essential to hire an experienced child criminal defense attorney to defend your son or daughter and get the best possible outcome.
What Happens if My Child is Sent to a Juvenile Detention Center in Greeley?
When a minor is sent to a juvenile detention center like Platte Valley Youth Services Center in Greeley, he or she can be detained there while waiting to be bonded out or for court appearances. This is also where they would be remanded to if they are adjudicated of a criminal charge, and the court does not feel like the child is safe to be in the community. Some judges are more willing to release minors to their parents if certain conditions can be met. These conditions can include the parent’s ability to supervise their child and provide stable living conditions, and the child’s willingness to follow the rules at home. Additionally, the child must agree to appear in court for all hearings pertaining to their case.
What are the Weld County, Colorado, Youth Diversion Programs?
When a juvenile is facing criminal charges in Weld County, Colorado, it is likely that they will be ordered by the Court to enter a Juvenile Youth Diversion Program. This program requires the youth to undergo supervision, classes, and treatment so that once completed, the charges can be removed from the juvenile’s criminal record. Diversion is defined under C.R.S. 19-2.5-102 (17)(a), C.R.S. as:
“Diversion” means a decision made by a person with authority or a delegate of that person that results in specific official action of the legal system not being taken in regard to a specific juvenile or child and in lieu thereof providing or referring the juvenile or child to an individually designed program or activity, if necessary, provided by district attorneys’ offices, governmental units, or nongovernmental units. The goal of diversion is to prevent further involvement of the juvenile or child in the formal legal system.
The Weld County District Attorney, or DA, decides whether a juvenile can enter a diversion program or if they will continue to face criminal charges. The goal of a Diversion Program is to prevent children from continually entering the juvenile justice system by rehabilitating them instead of bringing legal charges against them. Many children are given the opportunity to enroll in this program the first time they get in trouble. Repeat offenders will have a harder time being accepted into the program. If the program is successfully completed, then the legal charges are dropped.
Why Your Child Needs a Skilled Diversion Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Weld County
If your child has been charged with a criminal offense, they need a skilled Weld County criminal defense attorney to defend them. The attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office have over 30 years of experience in juvenile law and can help your child by defending them at the juvenile court and advocating for them to enter a Juvenile Youth Diversion Program. We fight for the best possible outcome in your child’s case and help protect their future. A Youth Diversion Program can help your teenager be successfully rehabilitated so they do not have to face the serious consequences of a criminal record that will negatively impact the rest of their life. Properly done, your child will learn to respect the legal process and never again need to appear in court. Don’t hesitate to hire a criminal defense lawyer with the compassion and expertise to defend your child and protect their future.