Dealing With Juvenile And Weapon Charges

by Tyler P. A Passionate Blogger - Entertainment

In California, it’s a crime to possess specific weapons or to use them in a particular manner. This is also applicable to juveniles. If a juvenile is caught in possession of weapons illegally, they face charges just like an adult would. However, their case will be handled differently compared to adult cases on illegal weapons. Federal law is stringent when it comes to illegal possession of weapons. It can ban anyone who has been convicted of such crimes from possessing the weapons ever. If your child has been charged with illegal possession of firearms, you can choose to speak to an experienced criminal lawyer to know how to protect the rights of the minor.

Juvenile Weapon Possession

With the best criminal defense attorney in Van Nuys, the juvenile can have their charges reduced. The prosecutor doesn’t need to prove that the juvenile was acting with criminal intent. Mere possession of the firearm is enough to warrant a conviction. The federal law imposes fines and restrictions on certain weapons without any license. Examples include the short-barreled shotguns. Anyone below the age of 18 is not allowed to be in possession of a firearm. However, there are certain exceptions to this restriction:

In the juvenile is under strict supervision either by the parent or the guardian
If the weapon is used for training purposes such as air weapons

Determining whether the juvenile case will be prosecuted in a juvenile or an adult court will depend on:

The age of the child

The severity of the crime committed by the child:

For instance, if the child is between the age of 14 or 15 years and commits murder using a weapon, they automatically go to a criminal court unless the state dictates otherwise. In other less severe cases, the juvenile case may be transferred to an adult court later for a prosecutor’s motion. If the court finds that the juvenile committed the crime knowingly and voluntarily, he/she is deemed guilty. Such a child doesn’t resume his/her juvenile status. A skilled lawyer can fight out for the child and make sure the child is not found guilty. As such, the child can resume back to their juvenile status.

If you need your child’s rights to be protected, you can do this by hiring the best criminal defense attorney in Van Nuys.

Can Illegal Possession Of Weapon Be Expunged From Juvenile Court Records?

If your child has been charged with illegal possession of weapons, you need to look for top criminal defense firms in Los Angeles. The juvenile, the parent, or guardian can file a petition to erase the records containing arrest, report, or orders pertaining to the illegal possession of weapons. The juvenile will then be considered to have never committed a crime. At any time where a criminal background check is being conducted, the erased criminal records will not be disclosed. This is to the juvenile advantage. He/she can get an eligibility certificate and be permitted to carry legal weapons if sealing or expungement of the juvenile court record is successful. Again, the court officials are barred from disclosing any information regarding the records, not unless it’s in the best interest of the juvenile. In any case, where one may be a prospective candidate to a military job and have a criminal record that has been erased, they may require seeking help from top criminal defense firms in Los Angeles. It’s worth noting that as far as the military is concerned, your criminal history may probably be found out during a security clearance. If your criminal records are not expunged, one may require obtaining a criminal record waiver.