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New Laws for Juveniles

Since July 1, 2008, it has been an infraction for a juvenile to drive a vehicle while using a cell phone, even if it has a hands-free device. The new California Vehicle Code section 23124 (a) provides for a fine of $20 fine (plus court assessments) for a first violation, or a $50 fine (plus court assessments), for any subsequent violation. (See the full text of this law at the bottom of this page)

When a child is arrested for a juvenile crime, shock waves go through the entire family. What can we do? How can we turn this situation around? Will this affect the child's education and future career choices? At the Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff LLP law firm, we are Juvenile Attorneys who have helped juveniles and their families in Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Orange County, and throughout Southern California.

Dear Don:

"Words cannot express how grateful we are to you for all your help with K's court appearances and the excellent outcome!

We don't know what we would have done without your expert advice!

I honestly could not have gotten through this trying time without you and your wonderful staff!

They were alawys so kind in help us answer our questions...

I enjoyed your sense of humor so much! That really helped us calm down and not worry so much, because we were worried so much about K's future.

We will highly recommend you to everyone we meet...

Thank you so very much for everything you did.

God Bless you and your family and you will be in our prayers forever."

"Truly," Mr. & Mrs. S.

Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyers Available NOW
Former Deputy District Attorneys
Call for a free consultation (866) 381-6922

Do you have questions about what will happen next? Do you know your child's rights?

You may be asking yourself:

"Should I go to the expense of hiring a Juvenile Defense Lawyer?" Yes!

Juvenile Delinquency: these offenses involve children who have allegedly committed violations of the law that if committed by an adult would be considered crimes. The juvenile defense lawyers at our law firm have extensive experience with the Southern California juvenile justice system.

Juvenile crime (juvenile delinquency) is handled in a completely different way than adult crime.

• Instead of a focus on punishment, after a juvenile arrest, the juvenile court or juvenile justice system focuses on the treatment and rehabilitation of minors.
• There are many different options available in dealing with juvenile crime. In juvenile courts, cases may be resolved through fines, treatment programs, detention in Juvenile Hall (juvenile jail), formal juvenile probation, informal juvenile probation, or a combination of alternatives. You need an attorney who knows the alternatives and will work for the best interests of the child's future.
• The court has the authority, in juvenile delinquency cases, to remove children from their homes, terminate parental rights and direct various agencies to provide needed services.
• The juvenile court can also order children confined in locked facilities or juvenile jail, such as detention halls, ranches and the California Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), formerly known as the California Youth Authority (CYA).
• Under certain circumstances, a minor child can be charged in or transferred to the adult court system. At our law firm, we work with our clients to keep them in the juvenile courts if at all feasible.
• Children have rights, too. A minor has the right to have an attorney present and/or parents present before answering any questions from law enforcement. School teachers, school officials, or counselors can question a student without the presence of a lawyer or parent, unless the questioning is at the request of the police.

If your minor child has been arrested, the juvenile should not talk to anyone without a juvenile lawyer who understands juvenile crime and the juvenile court system. At Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff LLP, we are all former deputy district attorneys and we are all on your side. Our juvenile attorneys are ready to protect your rights and develop your defense strategy. Our fees are reasonable and we can help you!

Free consultation. Call now or e-mail today.

23124. (a) This section applies to a person under the age of 18 years.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 23123, a person described in subdivision (a) shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device, or while using a mobile service device.
(c) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a base fine of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.(d) A law enforcement officer shall not stop a vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether the driver is violating subdivision (b).(e) Subdivision (d) does not prohibit a law enforcement officer from stopping a vehicle for a violation of Section 23123.
(f) This section does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone or a mobile service device for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.
(g) For the purposes of this section, "mobile service device" includes, but is not limited to, a broadband personal communication device, specialized mobile radio device, handheld device or laptop computer with mobile data access, pager, and two-way messaging
device.
(h) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2008.