At Alan Castillo - Attorney at Law, we understand that it can be extremely difficult to learn that your child has been arrested. Fear and uncertainty does not even begin to cover the spectrum of emotion you can feel. Though it is known that youths often act out, whether in rebellion or otherwise, getting caught up in a run in with the law due to illegal behavior can be something that could be life-changing for a child. If your child has been arrested, or if your child’s future is in danger due to a juvenile crime, you must speak with an experienced defense lawyer immediately.
We Are a Law Firm Devoted to Protecting
The Future of Your Child
When your child’s rights are hanging in the balance, our juvenile defense firm is prepared to fight to defend their rights.
Get a Free ConsultationWe Are a Top Juvenile Defense Firm
Proudly Defending Minors in the Area
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Alan Castillo
Founding Attorney
As a highly qualified and experienced defense attorney who has advocated on behalf of individuals throughout the Orange County area for more than 25 years, I know what is at stake in cases involving serious criminal allegations. Although your livelihood, future, and freedoms may be at stake, I am wholly devoted to helping you secure the results you need to secure the best results possible.
When you entrust your defense with my firm, you will receive individualized, one-on-one access to a skilled professional who is personally invested in the success of your case. Unlike most firms, I do not keep my clients at a distance or in the dark. I make every effort to keep you informed of your rights and any case developments. You are unique and so are the facts involved in your case. I firmly believe that you deserve legal advocacy that understands your side of the story, and I will do everything within my power to ensure your story is heard.
Client Testimonials
Your Case Is in Good Hands
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“ highly recommend Alan and the rest of the team. My circumstances were more complex than an average DUI and Alan stepped in willing and ready to defend. He read my case extensively and knew exactly how to develop a plan of action.”
GREG
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“I am eternally grateful to them and their services, and I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking criminal representation. They are an incredible team of legal staff. Thank you, Alan Castillo.. You are a wonderfully accomplished attorney.”
FORMER CLIENT
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“My wife and I are so pleased with the results. I didn't have to serve any jail time or house arrest. His hard work saved my job and the outcome was so much better than we thought.”
MICHAEL
Unrelenting Defense You Can Rely On
You are unique and so are the facts of your case. You deserve legal advocacy that recognizes your side of the story.
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Proven Record of Victories for Clients in Criminal Court
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Recognized in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers
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Experience in the U.S. Supreme Court (Alavarez-Machain v. United States)
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Benefit from Over 25 Years of Professional Practice Experience
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Available 24/7 with Confidential & Free Initial Case Evaluations
"At my firm, I always give my personal attention to your legal matter."- Alan Castillo
Juvenile Criminal Penalties
Most juvenile courts have a wide range of sentencing options, which are used primarily to punish juveniles who have been found “delinquent,” or guilty of violating a criminal law. This includes things like incarceration and non-incarceration options.
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House arrest
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Electronic monitoring
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Sentence in a juvenile detention facility
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Probation or community service
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Extensive fines
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In some cases, sentence to adult jail
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The Juvenile
Justice SystemThe juvenile system has differences from adult criminal court. We can explain how the system handles young offenders so you know what to expect.
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Your Child’s
RightsYour child has rights that must be protected. Just like adults, minors have the right to remain silent & to have access to the best possible counsel.
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Your Child’s
FutureJuvenile charges do not mean they are somehow less severe. Your child deserves to live a life without the obstacles associated with a criminal record.
Juvenile Defense FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
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Questions
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My child was arrested. Will he/she be put in jail?
Answer
Because juvenile cases are handled differently, penalties typically will not involve jail. A juvenile may be faced with more serious penalties if the case is handled in adult court.
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What types of violations trigger a juvenile arrest?
Answer
Each state recognizes different types of violations as a juvenile offense. These can include things like curfew, truancy, liquor-related offenses, drug-related offenses, theft, and more.
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What age is considered to be juvenile?
Answer
Every state has different eligibility criterion, but most states recognize the maximum age for juvenile court as 18. Others can recognize 16 or 17 years, or as old as 19 years.
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What is the difference between juvenile and criminal court?
Answer
The juvenile system is much different than an adult criminal court, and therefore, the procedures are very different as well. Speak with an attorney to learn what to expect in your case.
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Possible Case Outcomes
Plea Agreement
If a case remains in juvenile court, the minor can enter a plea agreement. This is usually based on the condition that the juvenile attend counseling or other alternatives.
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Possible Case Outcomes
Judge Diversion
If a judge chooses to divert a case, the minor will need to complete a court-approved program. Failure to do so could force the court to reinstate the charges.
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Possible Case Outcomes
Adjudicatory Hearings
Also known as a juvenile trial, a judge will determine if the juvenile is delinquent (has violated criminal law). A judge will determine the penalties if the juvenile is ruled delinquent.
We Hear Your Concerns. You Aren’t Alone.
Let Us Help You Understand What to Expect
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Is my child
going to jail? -
How serious
is this? -
I can't afford
to pay the fines -
Is this going on my
criminal record? -
Can you help?
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They just made a mistake