Since they can have reverberating impacts on a child’s life, criminal allegations against juveniles are very serious. When these challenging moments arise, loving parents want to safeguard their children to the best of their ability.

From our family to yours, Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. will make it our mission to fight for your child’s well-being.

Denver Juvenile Charges? We’re Here to Help

In the unfortunate event that your child has legal trouble in Denver, it’s important to take the right steps to get help. Even if it's for a misdemeanor offense, a criminal record can significantly hinder your child’s ability to achieve important life goals, such as securing housing and employment.

As a family-owned law firm in the Denver area, Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. is proud to offer legal advocacy for juveniles in the Front Range.

Protecting Your Child Starts with Immediate Legal Guidance

Every action your family takes after your child is arrested or charged can impact the outcome of your case. Hiring a skilled juvenile crime attorney will ensure that the Denver legal system doesn’t infringe on your child’s constitutional rights. Similarly, a lawyer will thoroughly explore options for case dismissals and charge reductions.

Understanding Juvenile Delinquency in Denver

In Colorado, juvenile delinquency applies to minors accused of violating state or local laws before their 18th birthday. When juvenile charges occur, minors are prosecuted in a legal system that is entirely independent from adult court.

What Does Adjudicated Delinquent Mean?

If you’ve done any research on juvenile court in Colorado or elsewhere, you’ve likely heard the term “adjudicated delinquent.” While it might sound confusing, adjudicated delinquency just means that a minor was found responsible for committing a crime by a Denver judge.

Juvenile Cases Commonly Handled By Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C.

With deep experience in juvenile defense, Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. handles many types of youth-related charges in Denver, including:

• Theft
• Criminal mischief
• Reckless driving
• Underage drinking (MIP - minor in possession)
• Disorderly conduct
• Harassment

With over 30 years of experience in the Denver community, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to win juvenile cases in the area. We will put our collective knowledge and resources behind your family.

Key Differences Between Juvenile and Adult Courts in Denver

The key differences between juvenile and adult courts in Denver have to do with the goals of these hearings. The adult justice system prioritizes penalties, while the juvenile system aims to guide young people toward positive change. 

When a juvenile case proceeds to court in Colorado, it is handled independently from the adult criminal system. Most juvenile cases are also resolved within a few weeks, unlike adult cases, which can take several months or even years to complete.

Juveniles typically face less severe consequences than adults convicted of similar crimes. Generally, the worst punishments for juveniles in Denver would be custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. However, extremely rare cases like murder may lead to a situation where a minor is tried as an adult.

How are Juvenile Delinquents Classified in Denver?

When a juvenile commits a crime equivalent to a felony or misdemeanor crime in Colorado, it is referred to as a “delinquency offense.” While the law governing what constitutes a felony and a misdemeanor is similar for both adults and juveniles, they diverge greatly in how court hearings and punishments work.

Offenses Leading to Adjudicated Delinquency in Denver

There are certain scenarios that commonly lead to adjudicated delinquency in Colorado. These have to do with the nature of the crime in question, or the context through which it happens, such as repeat offenses:

• Mandatory Sentence Offenders: A juvenile qualifies if they have been adjudicated delinquent twice, are adjudicated for a felony crime, or have had their probation revoked by another adjudication.
• Repeat Juvenile Offenders: A minor meets the criteria if they’ve been found delinquent more than once or violated probation by committing another crime.
• Violent Juvenile Offenders: An individual qualifies if they are at least 13 years old and have been adjudicated delinquent for committing a crime of violence.
• Aggravated Juvenile Offenders: A juvenile is eligible if they are at least 12 years old, have been adjudicated delinquent for a Class 1 or 2 felony, or have had their probation revoked for committing a Class 1 or 2 felony.

Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. Defending the Denver Community

Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. has extensive experience fighting juvenile cases in Denver. We understand the consequences of adjudicated delinquency and will put our resources and expertise into the fight for your child’s well-being.

We are here to help your family during these challenging times.