Few things cause as much apprehension in parents as learning the police are investigating their children for criminal activity, but it is unfortunately not uncommon for children and teens in King County to face criminal charges. Although Washington’s juvenile justice system is focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, charges against children should nonetheless be taken seriously. If your child is accused of a crime, it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney about your options. Natalie Findley-Wolf of Findley-Wolf Law is a skilled King County juvenile defense attorney with nine years of experience representing juveniles in criminal matters in King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Skagit Counties, and if you hire her, she will employ her knowledge and skill to defendant your child against any charges they may be faced.
The Juvenile Charging and Sentencing Structure
Ms. Findley-Wolf is well-versed in the nuances of juvenile sentencing and charging, which are very different from the adult court experience. Juveniles are different from adults, and recent science about human brain development supports the idea that they should be treated differently. As such, juvenile charging and sentencing have a separate and distinct statutory scheme (Revised Code of Washington 13.40).
The stated goals for juvenile sentencing include providing for juveniles in the community whenever possible and the rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders into their communities. In light of the differences between teens and adults, the legislature has provided juvenile defendants with more sentencing alternative options to avoid incarceration or time spent in Juvenile Rehabilitation. For example, every child is entitled to one “deferred disposition,” which is a sentencing alternative for qualifying felony cases that, if successfully completed, results in a complete dismissal of the case and eventually sealing of any court record.
Differences Between Juvenile and Adult Courts
There are numerous notable differences between juvenile and adult courts. For example, juvenile courts have different privacy considerations for young people, both long and short-term – many cases are eligible for sealing from the public almost immediately, and court records are not as available to the general public even when unsealed.
Families and probation have a much more upfront and involved role throughout juvenile cases as well and are consulted by the court regularly regarding their input on each motion or issue before the court. Unlike adults, juveniles are not entitled to juries, and cases must be tried in front of a judge alone. In some counties, juveniles are not entitled to bail either. It is clear that juvenile defense work is an entirely different type of representation than defending adults charged with crimes. As such, if your child is charged with a crime, your family is best served by someone with ample experience and knowledge of these important differences.
Ms. Findley-Wolf’s Juvenile Defense Experience
Ms. Findley-Wolf has extensive experience in juvenile court, established relationships with prosecutors and judges in multiple juvenile courts across western Washington, and she can guide you through juvenile proceedings. Additionally, she is adept at working with and communicating with young people and teens and crafting a defense of her young clients in consultation with them about their goals, needs, special characteristics, and desired outcomes.
Ms. Findley-Wolf’s juvenile experience includes representation of children and teens charged with serious sex offenses, possession and use of firearms, and crimes of violence, as well as “less serious” matters such as shoplifting, misconduct at school, minor in possession, or fighting that results in misdemeanor assault charges.
Ms. Findley-Wolf’s extensive experience also includes coordinating with education lawyers and providers to address children and teens’ accommodations for disabilities within the court system and advocating for consideration of potential diagnoses within the court system, both before and after charges are filed. Having a disability diagnosis, which can include ADHD, is common for juveniles involved in the criminal justice system, and Ms. Findley-Wolf feels strongly that it is critical that courts and prosecutors better understand and consider young people’s medical and mental health needs in all aspects of their juvenile court cases. Many of these children also have accommodations within their schools, and accessing those records and collaborating with the child’s providers and parents is an integral part of the representation of these young people.
Ms. Findley-Wolf is also especially experienced in assisting families whose children are being investigated for sexual misconduct or other serious felonies within their schools or community. These investigations are stressful and disruptive for the entire family. Having an experienced lawyer who can talk to the detective, coordinate interviews, gather evidence, including social media evidence, and discuss the case with a prosecutor before a charging decision is made can make a substantial impact on outcomes in these types of investigations.
Talk to an Experienced King County Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today
If your child is facing juvenile court involvement or is being investigated by the police for any crime, it is important to retain an experienced attorney to help you protect their rights. Ms. Findley-Wolf Findley-Wolf of Findley-Wolf Law is proficient at handling the complexities of criminal cases against juveniles, and if you engage her services, she will advocate aggressively on your child’s behalf. Ms. Findley-Wolf regularly represents juveniles in criminal proceedings throughout Washington, including cities in King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Skagit Counties. You can call Ms. Findley-Wolf Findley-Wolf at 206.228.2800 to set up a free one-hour consultation. Phones are answered 24/7.