Honolulu Juvenile Crime Attorney
What Is a Juvenile Crime?
In Hawaii, juveniles are considered to be anyone under the age of 18. If a juvenile is convicted of a crime, they are considered to be a waiver juvenile. This means that the juvenile court may transfer the case to adult court, where the juvenile would be tried as an adult. If they are convicted as a waiver juvenile, they may be sentenced as an adult. However, if they are convicted as a juvenile, they may be sentenced as a juvenile.
There are several factors that the court will consider when deciding whether or not to waive a juvenile into adult court, including:
- Age of the child at the time of the offense
- Nature of the offense
- Child's past history
- Child's potential for rehabilitation
- Child's mental and emotional maturity
- Child's ability to understand the consequences of their actions
- The child's ability to conform their conduct to the law
- The child's ability to understand the nature of the proceedings against them
If you or your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, it is important that you retain a qualified juvenile crime attorney as soon as possible. A conviction of a juvenile crime can have a lasting negative impact on your future, including affecting your ability to obtain financial aid for college and preventing you from obtaining a professional license in your chosen career path.
At the Law Office of Steve Cedillos, we have handled hundreds of cases and have a proven track record of success. We understand how the legal system works, and we understand how to navigate the system in order to get results. We will work with you to develop a strong defense strategy, and we will fight to protect your rights and the best interests of your child.
Schedule your initial consultation today by calling (808) 201-0496 or filling out our online form.
What Are the Penalties for Juvenile Crimes?
The penalties for juvenile crimes in Hawaii depend on the type of crime committed, the age of the child, and the circumstances of the case. Juvenile crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies.
Misdemeanors include:
- Class C felony, which includes the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony
- Class B felony, which includes kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder
- Class A felony, which includes murder in the first degree
The penalties for misdemeanors can include probation, community service, fines, and incarceration. The penalties for felonies can include prison time and life without parole.
In addition to the penalties listed above, a conviction of a juvenile crime can have a lasting negative impact on your child's future. For example, a conviction can prevent your child from obtaining financial aid for college and can prevent your child from obtaining a professional license in their chosen career path. A conviction can also have a negative impact on your child's ability to obtain a professional license in their chosen career path.
What Is the Difference Between Juvenile and Criminal Court?
In Hawaii, there are two types of courts that handle criminal offenses: juvenile court and criminal court. The main difference between these two types of courts is that juvenile court handles cases involving children under the age of 18, while criminal court handles cases involving adults and children over the age of 18.
In addition to the age of the defendant, the court that hears the case will depend on the type of offense committed. For example, if a child under the age of 18 is charged with a felony, the case will be heard in criminal court. If a child under the age of 18 is charged with a misdemeanor, the case will be heard in juvenile court.
How Does a Juvenile Get Charged as an Adult?
In Hawaii, a juvenile can be charged as an adult if they are at least 15 years of age and they are charged with a Class A or B felony. In addition to being charged as an adult, a waiver hearing will take place to determine if the case will be tried in adult or juvenile court.
A waiver hearing is a hearing that takes place in front of a judge where the facts of the case are presented. The judge will consider the facts of the case, along with the child's past history, their ability to conform to the law, and their mental and emotional maturity. In addition, the judge will consider the child's ability to understand the consequences of their actions.
The judge will then make a decision as to whether or not the child will be waived into adult court. The decision is based on the facts of the case and the child's ability to understand the consequences of their actions.
Why Law Office of Steve Cedillos?
If you're confronting criminal charges in Honolulu, I'm aware that you probably have numerous inquiries, and my firm is fully equipped to provide answers. If you have additional questions about the charges you're facing, it's crucial to reach out to my firm. You shouldn't have to navigate this legal battle by yourself, and I'm here to assist you in obtaining the essential information to guide you through this challenging situation.
Get a free consultation 24 hours a day—call (808) 201-0496 or contact me online to review your case.