At Tiemann Defense, we understand how devastating it can be when your child is accused of a crime. A single mistake should not define their future. If your child is facing criminal charges in El Dorado County, Sacramento County, or Placer County, our experienced juvenile defense attorneys are ready to step in — quickly, aggressively, and with proven strategies designed to protect their future.
What Happens in a Juvenile Criminal Case?
In California, anyone under 18 charged with a crime usually goes through the juvenile court system. These cases are handled differently from adult criminal matters — with an emphasis on rehabilitation, not punishment. However, the consequences of a conviction can still be serious and affect your child’s education, future employment, and college opportunities — that’s why immediate and strategic legal defense is essential.
Common juvenile charges we handle include:
- Shoplifting and theft
- Assault and battery
- Drug possession and sales
- DUI and alcohol-related offenses
- Vandalism
- Weapons charges
- Gang-related crimes
- Sexual offenses
Diversion Options in Juvenile Court (Misdemeanors & Felonies)
Juvenile courts in Sacramento, El Dorado, and Placer Counties offer several diversion and informal supervision programs designed to keep cases out of the system and give minors a chance to avoid a criminal record.
Here are some of the most common options:
Informal Probation – Welfare & Institutions Code § 654
- For low-level misdemeanors
- Supervised by probation for up to 6 months
- Must comply with conditions like school attendance, curfews, counseling, or community service
- If completed successfully, no petition is filed, and no criminal record is created
Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) – WIC § 790
- Available for first-time felony offenders
- Minor must admit the charges but is not adjudicated (not “convicted”)
- Given 12–36 months to complete probation, counseling, school, etc.
- If completed successfully, the case is dismissed and the record can be sealed
- If not completed, the court can impose standard juvenile court consequences
Community Diversion Programs
Many counties, including Sacramento and Placer, offer community-based diversion programs that allow minors to complete classes, counseling, or volunteer work outside the court system. These may be available before any charges are filed — something our attorneys can advocate for by intervening early.
Restorative Justice Programs
An alternative used in some counties for both misdemeanors and lower-level felonies. These programs involve:
- The minor meeting with victims or community members
- Making restitution or amends
- Completion results in dismissal and eligibility for record sealing
Transfer to Informal Court or Counseling-Only Tracks
Depending on the case, we can often negotiate reduced charges or referral to youth outreach services that offer mentorship, therapy, and academic support — instead of formal court action.
How We Defend Juvenile Cases
Every juvenile case is different, but at Tiemann Defense, we take a comprehensive and aggressive approach:
- Early Intervention: we engage with law enforcement and prosecutors before charges are filed, working to get your child’s case diverted or dropped entirely.
- Independent Investigation: we don’t rely on the police report. We investigate thoroughly to uncover errors, false accusations, or violations of your child’s rights.
- Customized Defense Strategies: whether it’s a push for informal probation or fighting charges outright in court, we build a plan that prioritizes your child’s long-term success.
- Protecting Your Child’s Record: Our focus is not just on the case outcome — it’s also on what comes next. We take steps to make sure your child can move on without a criminal record following them.
Juvenile Record Sealing – Protecting Your Child’s Future
Even if your child has gone through the juvenile system, their record does not automatically disappear when they turn 18. However, under California law (WIC § 781), your child may be eligible to seal their juvenile record, meaning:
- It will no longer show up on background checks
- It cannot be used against them in employment, college applications, or housing
- They can legally say they were never arrested or adjudicated
Requirements for Juvenile Record Sealing:
- The case must be completed successfully (including diversion programs)
- The minor must not have any open charges or adult felony convictions
- Typically, the person must be at least 18 years old or it must be 5 years since the case closed
We help our clients through every step of the record sealing process, giving them a clean slate and a true second chance.
Why Families Trust Tiemann Defense
✔️ Experienced juvenile and criminal defense attorneys
✔️ Proven success in getting charges reduced, dismissed, or diverted
✔️ Deep knowledge of El Dorado, Sacramento, and Placer County courts
✔️ Available 24/7 to protect your child’s future
✔️ Compassionate, skilled, and aggressive legal support