Children adjudicated for a criminal offense in the juvenile court cannot be sent to adult prison. However, children can be committed to the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), also referred to as the Division of Juvenile Facilities (DJF),for commission of certain enumerated crimes up and until the age of 25. Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 733 the following factors trigger DJF commitment eligibility:
The youth is 11 years of age or older.
The youth does not have a contagious or infectious disease which would endanger the lives of other youth.
The youth has been adjudicated as a ward pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 602, and the most recent offense alleged in any petition or found to be true is either a W&I section 707(b) offense or a sex offense pursuant to Penal Code Section 290.008, subd. (a).)
*An attempt of any offense listed under PC 290.008(c) also qualifies for DJJ/DJF commitment.
At LOPAS LAW our attorney's believe that children in the criminal justice system are some of the most vulnerable clients and, that they must in turn be treated with highly skilled, compassionate, and aggressive defense. Attorney Deanna Lopas has fought tirelessly on behalf of hundreds of children, some facing the most serious consequence available to the Courts, prosecution and punishment of children as adults. Having tried dozens of adult Jury Trials and Juvenile Court Trials, she knows how to advise youthful clients in a language they can understand; how to protect their Constitutional Rights in a progressively harsher juvenile delinquency system; and how to pursue the most appropriate dispositions to meet a youthful offender's most pressing needs.
If you or a loved one is charged with a DJJ/DJF eligible offense, it is vital to have an experienced, compassionate, qualified juvenile delinquency attorney immediately by your side.
To learn more about how LOPAS LAW can immediately begin to defend you, contact us today for your FREE CONSULTATION and Case Quote: (800)595-4932.
