Compassionate, Experienced Legal Advocacy for Minors Facing Criminal Charges
Phone: (858) 663-6884 | Email: coliver1@san.rr.com
Protecting Your Child’s Future in Juvenile Court
If your child has been arrested or is facing criminal charges in San Diego County, your next steps matter more than ever. Juvenile cases require a highly strategic, compassionate defense approach that understands both the California juvenile justice system and your child’s long-term future.
At Carolyn L. Oliver | Criminal Defense Law Firm, we focus on keeping minors out of adult court, minimizing life-long consequences, and guiding families through every step of the juvenile justice process. As a respected San Diego Juvenile Defense Attorney, Carolyn L. Oliver provides aggressive legal representation combined with a rehabilitative, family-centered strategy.
What Makes Juvenile Court Different?
In California, minors under the age of 18 are typically tried in juvenile court, which emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment. However, juvenile court still imposes serious consequences, and outcomes vary based on your child’s defense strategy.
Key differences between juvenile vs. adult court include:
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❌ No right to a jury trial
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❌ No right to bail
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❌ No right to a preliminary hearing for felonies
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✅ Right to legal counsel
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✅ Right to remain silent
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✅ Right to cross-examine witnesses
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✅ Right to be notified of charges
The system is different—your legal representation should be too.
Types of Juvenile Crimes We Defend
At Carolyn L. Oliver’s San Diego defense law firm, we represent minors in a wide range of juvenile offenses, including:
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Juvenile Theft (Shoplifting, Petty or Grand Theft)
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Vandalism
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Underage DUI
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Drug Possession or Sale
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Juvenile Assault or Battery
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Sexual Offenses
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Cyberbullying & Harassment
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Weapon Possession
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School-related Offenses
Whether your child is facing misdemeanor or felony allegations, we provide smart legal defense to protect their record and reputation.
Possible Outcomes in Juvenile Court
Our goal is to avoid detention and help your child walk away with the best possible result. Some favorable outcomes may include:
Informal Probation (WIC 654)
This allows your child to avoid admitting guilt. If they meet the conditions (community service, counseling, etc.), the charges are dismissed.
Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ)
Used for some non-violent felonies. Your child must plead guilty but avoids detention if they complete court-ordered requirements.
Sealing Juvenile Records
We help eligible minors seal their records after successful program completion so they can move forward with a clean slate.
Why You Need a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in San Diego
The juvenile court process is intimidating—especially when your child’s freedom and future are at stake. Prosecutors may try to transfer the case to adult court, where the stakes are significantly higher. Without proper representation, your child may:
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Face harsher sentencing
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Miss out on diversion programs
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Lose opportunities for record sealing
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Be treated as an adult in court
Attorney Carolyn L. Oliver has decades of experience defending minors in San Diego Juvenile Court. She works tirelessly to negotiate for reduced charges, diversion alternatives, and second chances.
Local San Diego Juvenile Defense You Can Trust
Attorney Carolyn L. Oliver is a seasoned juvenile criminal defense lawyer in San Diego, well-versed in juvenile court procedures, local judges, and California juvenile laws. Her personalized approach helps families navigate an emotionally overwhelming system with confidence and clarity.
When your child is facing criminal accusations, don’t leave their future to chance.
Contact a San Diego Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today
If your child has been arrested or is under investigation, get experienced legal help immediately. We offer confidential consultations to help you understand the charges, the process, and how we can help.
📞 Call Today: (858) 663-6884
📧 Email: coliver1@san.rr.com
Let us help your child move forward—not be defined by a mistake.
