Juvenile Delinquency & Dependency

The Law Office of Theresa M. Slade represents clients throughout Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Jefferson Counties, Colorado in both juvenile delinquency and juvenile dependency matters.

Juvenile Delinquency

A child aged ten to 17 commits an act of juvenile delinquency when he or she violates a state or federal law or municipal ordinance, which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime. In some cases, a juvenile can be charged as an adult in regular criminal court. Additionally, acts such as truancy or disobedience are not considered crimes if committed by adults, but can land a child in a delinquency proceeding. This makes it critical that you hire an attorney experienced in handling juvenile matters, who can assist your child in getting the help he or she needs.

As a parent, you are responsible for your minor child, which means you also have responsibilities in juvenile delinquency proceedings. These can include performing community service and attending parental responsibility classes. In some cases, you may even temporarily or permanently lose custody of the child.

Even for a first offense, your child faces one or more of the following punishments:

• Probation for up to two years
• A maximum of 45 days' detention
• 60-day boot camp program or Regimented Juvenile Training Program
• Useful public service
• Restitution
• Participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program, with random testing

Dependency and Neglect

Ms. Slade regularly represents parents in juvenile dependency and neglect cases. A dependency and neglect case can ultimately result in you losing your parental rights, and can also turn into child abuse criminal proceedings, making it extremely important to have an experienced attorney advocating on your behalf every step of the way.

These cases are also confusing. Several hearings and proceedings are necessary, and numerous parties, such as case workers, guardians ad litem, county attorneys, and court-appointed special advocates will also be involved. Ms. Slade will coordinate with all involved parties on your behalf so that you can focus on fighting to keep your children.

A common misconception is that dependency and neglect cases only arise when a parent or guardian actually mistreats, abandons, or abuses a child. However, you can face dependency and neglect proceedings due to any of the following situations:

• If you allow someone else to abuse or mistreat your child, or if you know someone else is doing it and do not take steps to stop the abuse
• If your child lacks proper care, including education and medical care, due to your action or inaction
• If your child's environment is deemed unsafe
• If your child is without care or homeless, even if it is not your fault
• If your child has run away or is otherwise beyond your control

Even if you do not permanently lose parental rights, there are other negative consequences to a dependency and neglect proceeding. These include:

• The child being temporarily placed in foster care or in a relative's custody
• You and/or the child being ordered to undergo mental and physical health examinations and treatment
• Altering an existing custody arrangement, especially if the parents are divorced, separated or living apart

Contact The Law Office of Theresa M. Slade

Whether your child has been accused of committing a crime and is facing juvenile delinquency proceedings, or you are facing the prospect of losing your parental rights in a dependency and neglect case, it is critical to have experienced defense counsel on your side. To schedule a consultation so that we can begin working together on your case, contact the Law Office of Theresa M. Slade today.