Juvenile Defense Attorney IN Redwood City

Legal Help For Families Facing Juvenile Charges

A call from the police or a school administrator about your child can be one of the most frightening moments as a parent. You may be trying to keep your child calm, answer questions from authorities, and figure out what this means for their future, all at the same time. If your son or daughter is facing a juvenile case in Redwood City, our team at Law Offices of Dean Johnson is here to guide you.

We focus on defending people accused of crimes throughout San Francisco and Silicon Valley, and we apply that experience to protect minors in the juvenile system. Our firm has represented clients since 1998 and is led by Attorney Dean Johnson, a former prosecutor who understands how the state approaches juvenile matters. You can reach us 24 hours a day to schedule a free consultation and talk about what is happening with your child.

When you contact us, we listen first. Then we explain the process in clear language, outline realistic options, and talk about how we can work to protect your child’s rights and long-term opportunities. 

Why Families Turn To Our Firm For Juvenile Defense

Parents looking for help with a juvenile case want more than a name on a court form. They want someone who can see their child as a whole person and who knows how to navigate a complex system. At Law Offices of Dean Johnson, we bring decades of criminal defense experience together with a deep commitment to personalized representation for minors.

Our firm is led by Attorney Dean Johnson, who previously served as a prosecutor. That background gives us insight into how the state evaluates evidence, decides what charges to file, and prepares cases in juvenile court. We draw on that perspective when we assess the allegations against a child, anticipate the arguments that may be made in court, and look for weaknesses in the case that can be used to our client’s advantage.

Since 1998, we have handled a wide range of serious criminal cases, including homicide, domestic violence, fraud, and embezzlement. That experience with complex matters helps us stay calm and focused when a juvenile case carries serious potential consequences. We conduct thorough investigations, review every detail of police and school reports, and look for system errors that may have affected the arrest or the way the incident has been described.

We also maintain a network that includes experienced forensic analysts and investigators. When a juvenile case involves digital evidence, physical evidence, or conflicting accounts, these resources can be critical in uncovering what actually happened. Our attorney has appeared many times on national television to discuss legal issues, which reflects the trust others place in his legal analysis. For families, these points all support one goal. We work to build the strongest defense we can and to pursue outcomes that allow young people to move forward.

What Happens After A Juvenile Arrest Or Citation In Redwood City

Understanding the basic steps in a juvenile case can lower some of the uncertainty you may feel. Juvenile matters in this area are generally handled through the juvenile court located in Redwood City, within the San Mateo County system. The exact path your child’s case follows can depend on the nature of the allegations, any prior history, and how local agencies choose to proceed.

A case often begins when a minor is arrested or given a citation by a local police department or is detained after an incident at school. In many situations, the young person is released to a parent or guardian, although some cases involve time in juvenile detention. After that, county probation services typically review the situation. They may interview the family, gather background information, and make recommendations about whether a petition should be filed in juvenile court.

If a petition is filed, the court usually schedules an initial hearing. At that hearing, the judge generally explains the allegations, addresses detention or release, and may set future court dates. Throughout this process, there are opportunities for an attorney to advocate for the child. With legal representation, families can better understand what each hearing means, which options are available, and how different choices may affect both the immediate outcome and the child’s long-term record.

Our firm helps families prepare for these hearings by reviewing reports, talking through what to expect in the Redwood City juvenile courthouse, and helping minors understand their rights and responsibilities. We strive to make a confusing system more manageable so you can make informed decisions.

Steps To Take If The Police Or School Contact Your Child

When an incident involves your child, everything can feel urgent and unclear. Taking a few careful steps can protect your son or daughter and reduce the risk of misunderstandings that may later affect a case. Small choices made in the first hours and days can influence how evidence is viewed and how authorities perceive the situation.

If officers, school resource staff, or administrators want to question your child, it is usually best not to let the minor speak without an attorney. Young people often feel pressure to agree with adults, even when they are confused or scared. They may try to explain themselves in ways that can be misunderstood or taken out of context.

Practical steps that can help protect your child include:

• Stay calm in the moment. Children look to parents for cues. A steady presence can help them stay quiet until legal counsel is involved.
• Limit statements to basic information. Provide identifying details and contact information, but avoid discussing what did or did not happen until you have legal advice.
• Collect written information. Save copies of citations, school notices, emails, and any written reports you receive related to the incident.
• Write down your recollection. As soon as you can, note times, locations, and what was said by officers, administrators, or other adults.
• Reach out to our firm promptly. The earlier you contact us, the sooner we can explain the process, help you avoid missteps, and begin protecting your child’s rights.

When you call Law Offices of Dean Johnson, we talk through what has happened so far and what you have been told by authorities. From there, we can advise you on whether to speak with police or school officials, how to handle upcoming meetings, and what to expect in the next stage of a juvenile case.

How We Defend Juvenile Cases & Protect Futures

Juvenile cases involve more than a police report and a court date. They involve a young person’s reputation, education, and future opportunities. Our approach is to treat every juvenile case as a serious matter that deserves careful attention to both the facts and the broader context of the child’s life.

We start by examining the details of the incident. That often means reviewing police reports, school incident documentation, photographs, messages, and any video or digital records that may exist. We look closely at how officers and school staff handled the situation and whether they followed proper procedures. Our goal is to identify errors, gaps, or inconsistencies that can raise questions about the reliability of the allegations.

When a case involves technical issues, such as digital communications, forensics, or complex timelines, we may work with forensic analysts and seasoned investigators from our network. Their work can clarify how evidence should be interpreted, test assumptions made by authorities, or uncover information that has been overlooked. This type of analysis can be especially important in serious juvenile matters that resemble adult felony cases.

At the same time, we focus on presenting the full picture of your child. We talk with families about the young person’s strengths, school involvement, health, and support systems. Where appropriate, we supply this information to the court and to probation officers to advocate for responses that promote growth rather than only punishment. While no attorney can promise a specific outcome, our firm works to limit long-term harm where the law allows, including considering how the case may affect school status, college plans, and future work.

Common Juvenile Charges & Consequences For Minors

Families come to us with a wide range of juvenile allegations. Some involve a single incident that seems out of character. Others involve situations that have developed over time. Either way, understanding the types of charges minors face and what they can mean helps parents make clearer decisions.

Cases we see often involve accusations such as theft from stores or classmates, vandalism or graffiti, school fights, possession of weapons, and drug or alcohol related conduct. In a community with many schools and technology use, incidents can also involve online behavior and social media, including claims of harassment or distribution of images. Each situation is different, and the details matter.

Possible short-term results of a juvenile case can include probation conditions, counseling, community service, restitution, or time in a local juvenile facility. School discipline may occur alongside court involvement, sometimes affecting classes, sports, or other activities. In some situations, a formal finding in juvenile court can have implications for college applications or job opportunities, depending on how records are treated and who has access to them under the law.

Our role is to explain these possibilities and to work toward outcomes that are as constructive as possible within the legal framework. We help families weigh options such as contesting the allegations, negotiating resolutions, or pursuing alternatives that may be available in the juvenile system.

Our Communication With Parents & Teens

When a child is facing a juvenile case, parents often feel caught between wanting to protect their son or daughter and wanting them to understand the seriousness of the situation. Clear, respectful communication from their attorney can make this period less isolating and more manageable for everyone involved.

At Law Offices of Dean Johnson, we talk directly with both the parent and the minor, within the bounds of confidentiality rules that apply in juvenile matters. We take time to explain what each hearing means, what documents you will see, and what choices may lie ahead. We avoid legal jargon whenever possible and define necessary terms so that your family can follow what is happening.

We also place great value on being reachable. Our goal is to respond to questions, return calls, and keep you updated on developments in the case, including upcoming court dates in Redwood City and any contact from probation. Families come to us at very difficult moments, and we treat their concerns with seriousness and respect.

Children and teenagers in the juvenile system often feel that adults are talking about them instead of with them. We work to ensure that your child feels heard and respected throughout the process. We recognize that young people can make impulsive decisions, and we do not judge them or their parents. Instead, we focus on what can be done now to help the family move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child have a permanent record from this case?

Whether a juvenile matter results in a record that follows your child depends on several factors, including the type of allegation, the outcome in court, and how local rules treat juvenile records. In general, juvenile proceedings are handled differently from adult criminal cases, and some records may be sealed or limited under specific conditions. Courts and agencies often look at the seriousness of the conduct and any prior history when deciding how to treat a case.

During our consultation, we discuss how the law typically addresses records for situations like your child’s and what options may exist to reduce long term impact where the law permits it. We believe parents should have a realistic understanding of how a case may affect education and future job opportunities, and we work to keep that perspective in view as we plan a defense.

Can my child be taken from our home after a juvenile arrest?

In some juvenile cases, authorities may seek to keep a minor in detention or another placement, but this does not happen in every matter. The decision often depends on how serious the allegations are, whether there is any claimed risk to others, and whether there is a stable home environment. The court generally considers information from probation, the family, and law enforcement before deciding whether the child can remain at home while the case is pending.

We help families present information that supports release to a parent or guardian when appropriate, such as proof of school attendance, community ties, and available supervision. At early hearings in the juvenile court in Redwood City, we speak on your child’s behalf and argue for the least restrictive setting that fits the circumstances, to keep your family together whenever the law and facts support that result.

How soon should I contact a lawyer about my child’s situation?

It is usually wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as you learn that your child may be involved in a juvenile case. Early advice can help prevent harmful statements, guide you through interactions with police or school staff, and improve preparation for probation interviews and initial court hearings. Waiting to seek counsel can sometimes limit the options available later.

At Law Offices of Dean Johnson, we are available 24 hours a day so parents can reach us when a situation arises, not just during office hours. We offer free consultations, so you can talk with us about what has happened, ask questions about the process in this area, and learn how we may be able to assist before you decide how to proceed.

What happens at the first juvenile court hearing here?

The first hearing in a juvenile case in Redwood City typically focuses on explaining the allegations, addressing the child’s custody status, and setting future dates. The judge often reviews a petition that outlines the conduct the state claims occurred and asks how the minor wishes to respond. The court may also consider information from probation and arguments from both sides about whether the child should remain at home or in detention while the case continues.

Our firm prepares families for this hearing by going over the petition, discussing likely questions, and explaining where to go and what the courtroom will look like. We appear with your child, speak to the court, and advocate for conditions that give your family the best chance to remain stable while the case moves forward. Knowing what to expect can make a stressful day more manageable.

Will you keep me and my child informed throughout the case?

Yes. Providing clear, consistent communication is a central part of how we represent families in juvenile matters. We strive to keep parents and minors informed about upcoming court dates, developments in the case, and any information we receive from probation or other agencies. We encourage questions and take time to answer them in plain language.

We also explain the reasons behind important decisions and recommendations, so you do not feel that choices are being made without your input. Our goal is that you never feel left in the dark about your child’s case and that you understand what each step means for your family.

Do you handle serious juvenile charges like weapons or assault?

We do represent minors who face serious allegations, including matters that involve claims of violence or weapons. Our firm has a long history of handling major criminal cases for adults, such as homicide and serious assaults, and we apply that experience when a juvenile case raises similar issues. These matters often involve complex evidence and significant potential consequences.

In such cases, we review the facts carefully, consider the legal issues involved, and draw on our investigative resources when needed. We also pay close attention to how the young person’s background and support network can be presented to the court. Our aim is to build a defense that addresses both the legal questions and the impact on the child’s future.

How much will it cost to hire your firm for a juvenile case?

The cost of legal representation in a juvenile matter depends on the specific circumstances of the case, including the complexity of the issues, the number of hearings, and the amount of investigation required. Some cases resolve after a limited number of court appearances, while others require more extensive work. Because of these variables, we discuss fees individually with each family.

We offer a free initial consultation so that you can speak with us about your child’s situation without any obligation. During that conversation, we explain how we structure fees, what work is involved, and what you can expect in terms of communication and support. Our goal is to be transparent so you can make informed decisions about your child’s legal representation.

Talk With Our Team About Your Child’s Case

You do not have to face the juvenile court system alone or guess at what each decision might mean for your child. At Law Offices of Dean Johnson, we draw on years of criminal defense experience and a former prosecutor’s insight to guide families through difficult situations. We take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options, and work to protect both your child’s rights and their future.

We are available around the clock, and your first consultation with us is free. Whether the incident just occurred or a hearing in the juvenile court in Redwood City is already scheduled, we can step in to help you understand the process and plan your next steps with greater confidence.

To talk with our team about a juvenile case involving your child, call (650) 832-9446 now.