Criminal Defense — Juvenile

Juvenile Defense Lawyers in Tacoma, WA

A juvenile charge isn't just a legal problem — it's a threat to your child's entire future. College admissions, military enlistment, professional licenses, employment opportunities, and your child's self-image all hang in the balance when they're accused of delinquent behavior. The juvenile justice system claims to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, but the reality is that juvenile adjudications create lasting records, carry serious consequences, and can even result in adult criminal prosecution for serious offenses.

Melvin & Torrone, PLLP defends young people facing charges in Pierce County Juvenile Court. Our Tacoma juvenile defense attorneys understand that teenagers make mistakes, that adolescent brains aren't fully developed, and that one bad decision shouldn't define a child's life. We know Washington's juvenile justice system (RCW 13.40), Pierce County Juvenile Court procedures, decline hearings where the state seeks to prosecute children as adults, and the critical importance of keeping juvenile records sealed. We've represented hundreds of young people charged with everything from shoplifting to assault to drug offenses, and we fight to protect their futures.

One mistake shouldn't destroy a young person's life. We make sure it doesn't.

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Why Choose Melvin & Torrone for Juvenile Defense?

Defending young people requires specialized knowledge, sensitivity to developmental issues, and commitment to protecting futures while holding juveniles accountable appropriately.

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Hundreds of Juvenile Cases

Extensive experience in Pierce County Juvenile Court defending young people charged with everything from shoplifting to assault to drug offenses.

Decline Hearing Experience

We've successfully fought transfers to adult court, keeping cases in the juvenile system where rehabilitation is possible.

Treatment-Focused Advocacy

We push for rehabilitation over punishment — counseling, diversion, and community supervision instead of detention.

Family-Centered Approach

We work with parents and involve families in defense strategy, because parental support directly affects outcomes.

School Coordination

We understand the overlap between court proceedings and school discipline, and we defend on both fronts.

Psychological Expertise

We retain forensic psychologists and experts to evaluate juveniles and present mitigation at disposition hearings.

Trial Experience

We try contested adjudication hearings when necessary — prosecutors know we won't simply accept their offer.

Record Sealing

We help clients seal juvenile records as soon as they're eligible, so past mistakes don't follow them into adulthood.

Compassionate Counsel

We understand teenagers make mistakes. We fight to ensure those mistakes don't define their lives.

How Juvenile Court Differs from Adult Criminal Court

The juvenile justice system operates under fundamentally different principles than adult criminal court. While adult court focuses on punishment and accountability for crimes committed, juvenile court emphasizes rehabilitation, treatment, and helping young people develop into productive adults. However, the practical reality is more complex — serious juvenile offenses result in detention, and the disposition process can be nearly as adversarial as adult criminal proceedings.

Terminology & Process Differences +

Juvenile cases are handled in Pierce County Juvenile Court rather than adult criminal courts, with judges who specialize in juvenile matters and consider the unique developmental needs of young people. The terminology differs — instead of being "convicted" of a "crime," juveniles are "adjudicated" of "offenses." Instead of being "sentenced" to "jail," they're given "dispositions" that may include "detention" in a juvenile facility. These semantic differences are meant to reduce stigma, but young people in detention still experience loss of freedom, separation from family, and trauma similar to adults in jail.

Age Jurisdiction +

The age jurisdiction of juvenile court in Washington extends from eight years old through seventeen years old. Children younger than eight cannot be charged with crimes at all — there's a legal presumption that children under eight lack the capacity to form criminal intent. Once a child turns eight, they can be charged with offenses in juvenile court. The jurisdiction continues until age eighteen, when they transition to adult court for any new charges. However, for serious offenses, prosecutors can seek to "decline jurisdiction" and transfer the case to adult court, where the juvenile faces adult penalties including prison rather than juvenile detention.

Confidentiality +

Juvenile proceedings are confidential and closed to the public, unlike adult criminal proceedings which are generally open. Only the parties, attorneys, probation officers, victims, and people specifically authorized by the court can attend juvenile hearings. This confidentiality extends to court records, which are sealed and not accessible to the public. The purpose is to protect young people from the lifelong stigma of public criminal records, allowing them to move forward with their lives without their youthful mistakes following them forever. However, law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts retain access to juvenile records for purposes of calculating offender scores in future cases and determining appropriate dispositions.

Rehabilitation Focus +

The stated goals of juvenile court focus on rehabilitation rather than pure punishment. Washington's juvenile justice code emphasizes holding juveniles accountable while providing individualized treatment, education, and services designed to address the underlying causes of delinquent behavior. In practice, this means dispositions often include counseling, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, anger management, family therapy, educational programs, and community service in addition to or instead of detention time. However, for serious offenses or repeat offenders, the system can impose substantial detention that looks and feels like punishment rather than rehabilitation.

Types of Juvenile Offenses

Juvenile offenses fall into several distinct categories, each with different legal implications, procedures, and potential consequences.

Delinquent Offenses +

These are acts that would be crimes if committed by adults. They're divided into categories based on seriousness:

Serious Violent Offenses

Murder, manslaughter
Rape, child molestation
Robbery with firearm
Assault with deadly weapon
Drive-by shooting
Leading organized crime

Other Violent Offenses

Assault (all degrees)
Robbery (unarmed)
Kidnapping
Burglary (residential)

Property Offenses

Theft (all degrees)
Burglary (non-residential)
Vehicle prowling
Malicious mischief (vandalism)
Possession of stolen property

Drug Offenses

Possession of controlled substances
Possession with intent to deliver
Delivery of drugs
Possession of paraphernalia

Weapons Offenses

Unlawful possession of firearm
Carrying weapon on school grounds
Possession of dangerous weapons

School-Related Offenses

Assault on school grounds
Threats (bomb threats, shooting threats)
Weapons at school
Drug distribution at school

Traffic Offenses (Serious)

Reckless driving
Hit and run
Driving without license
Taking motor vehicle without permission (TMVWOP — joyriding)

Status Offenses +

Acts that are illegal only because of the person's age — not crimes if adults did them:

Truancy (At-Risk Youth Petitions)

Chronic unexcused absences from school
Washington's Becca Bill addresses truancy through dependency system

Running Away

Repeatedly leaving home without permission
Child in need of services (CHINS) petitions

Curfew Violations

Municipal ordinances prohibiting minors out late

Minor in Possession (MIP)

Alcohol possession or consumption (under 21)
Tobacco/vaping possession (under 21)

Incorrigibility

Refusing to comply with parents' reasonable rules
Beyond parental control

Status offenses don't typically result in detention but can lead to court supervision, services, and family interventions.

The Juvenile Court Process (RCW 13.40)

Understanding each stage of juvenile proceedings helps families prepare and make informed decisions about defense strategies.

Stage 1: Investigation & Referral +

Most juvenile cases start when police investigate an incident and determine probable cause exists to believe a juvenile committed an offense. Police then prepare a report and forward it to the Pierce County Prosecutor's Juvenile Division for a charging decision. School resource officers, loss prevention officers, and other authorities also refer cases to prosecutors.

Unlike adult cases where police often arrest immediately, many juvenile cases involve citation and release to parents. For more serious offenses or when the juvenile has significant prior history, police may take the juvenile into custody and transport them to Remann Hall Youth Detention Center in Tacoma, Pierce County's juvenile detention facility.

Stage 2: Detention Hearing (If Detained) +

If your child is taken into custody, a detention hearing must be held within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). The purpose is to determine whether the juvenile remains detained or is released to parents pending adjudication.

Court Considers

Seriousness of alleged offense
Juvenile's prior history
Flight risk
Danger to community
Family stability and parental supervision

Outcomes

Released to Parents: Most juveniles released with conditions (school attendance, curfew, no contact with co-defendants)
Continued Detention at Remann Hall: Reserved for serious offenses, repeat offenders, or flight risks. Juvenile remains detained until adjudication or disposition
Alternative Placement: Released to relative or foster placement (rare; typically only if home environment is problematic)

Stage 3: Diversion (Alternative to Court) +

For first-time offenders or low-level offenses, prosecutors may offer diversion instead of filing formal charges.

Diversion Process

Juvenile admits responsibility (not guilt — no adjudication)
Community service (8–40 hours typical)
Letter of apology to victim
Pay restitution
Attend classes (shoplifting awareness, anger management)
No new offenses (typically 3–6 months)
Successful completion → no charges filed, no court record

Eligibility

First-time offenders (or minimal prior history)
Non-violent misdemeanors
Victim agrees (or no identifiable victim)
Juvenile accepts responsibility

Risks

Admission of responsibility can be used if diversion fails
Incomplete diversion → formal charges filed

Our role: We review diversion agreements to ensure terms are fair, achievable, and protect your child's rights. Sometimes we negotiate for diversion when the prosecutor initially planned to file charges.

Stage 4: Arraignment / First Appearance +

If charges are filed, the juvenile and parents appear for arraignment (also called "first appearance").

Charges read
Juvenile advised of rights (remain silent, attorney, trial)
Plea entered (typically "not guilty" initially)
Court appoints attorney if family can't afford one
Trial date set
Conditions of release (if not detained)

Stage 5: Adjudication Hearing (Trial) +

The adjudication hearing is the juvenile equivalent of trial — the court determines whether the juvenile committed the alleged offense.

Two Types

Bench Trial (Judge Decides): No jury in juvenile court. Judge hears evidence and makes findings.
Admission (Plea Agreement): Juvenile admits to offense (like guilty plea in adult court). Proceeds directly to disposition.

Burden of Proof: Prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt (same standard as adult court).

Trial Process

Prosecutor presents evidence (witnesses, police reports, physical evidence)
Defense cross-examines witnesses
Defense presents evidence (witnesses, documents, juvenile's testimony if strategic)
Judge makes findings

Adjudication Outcomes

Not Guilty (Dismissed): State failed to prove offense beyond reasonable doubt. Case dismissed. Juvenile goes home (if detained).
Guilty (Adjudicated): Court finds juvenile committed offense. Case proceeds to disposition hearing.

Stage 6: Disposition Hearing (Sentencing) +

The disposition hearing is the juvenile equivalent of sentencing — the court determines consequences for the adjudicated offense.

Court Receives

Probation officer's report (pre-disposition report)
Juvenile's background, family situation, school performance
Prior offenses, if any
Substance abuse or mental health issues
Recommendations for disposition
Victim impact statement (if applicable)
Defense mitigation evidence

Standard Sentencing Range

Like adult court, juvenile court uses a sentencing grid based on offense category and the juvenile's prior history (points assigned for prior adjudications).

Theft 3rd (Property offense), no priors: 0–8 weeks detention (often community supervision instead)
Assault 2nd (Violent), no priors: 3–40 weeks local sanctions
Robbery 1st (Serious Violent), no priors: 15–36 weeks confinement

Disposition Options

Community Supervision (Probation): Most common for non-violent, first-time offenders. Juvenile remains at home under supervision.

Regular meetings with probation officer
School attendance (no unexcused absences)
Curfew (home by certain time)
No contact with co-defendants or victims
Community service (hours vary)
Counseling or treatment (substance abuse, mental health, anger management)
Drug testing (random UAs)
Restitution payments
No new law violations
Duration: 3 months to 2 years

Local Sanctions: More restrictive than community supervision but less than state commitment.

Detention (weekends, up to 30 days)
Work crew (supervised work projects)
Home detention (electronic monitoring)
Foster care or group home placement
Intensive supervision
Day treatment programs

Commitment to Juvenile Rehabilitation (DCYF): Most serious disposition — juvenile sent to state juvenile facility.

Echo Glen Children's Center
Green Hill School
Naselle Youth Camp
Canyon View (girls)
Duration: Weeks to months. Juvenile can be held until age 21 for most serious offenses, until age 25 for certain murders.

Manifest Injustice

If the standard range is insufficient given the seriousness of the offense, the court can impose a manifest injustice (enhanced) disposition — longer detention than the standard range. Conversely, if the standard range is too harsh given mitigating circumstances, the court can impose a mitigated disposition — less detention or community supervision instead.

Factors considered:

Juvenile's age and maturity
Circumstances of offense (provocation, peer pressure, diminished capacity)
Prior history (or lack thereof)
Family support and stability
Mental health or substance abuse issues
Risk to community
Likelihood of rehabilitation

Decline Hearings: Fighting Transfer to Adult Court

For serious offenses, prosecutors can seek to transfer juvenile cases to adult court through a decline hearing (also called "certification hearing"). This is one of the most critical proceedings in juvenile law — if the court declines jurisdiction and sends the case to adult court, your child faces adult penalties including prison rather than juvenile detention and rehabilitation.

When Decline Is Sought +

Mandatory Decline (RCW 13.40.110)

Court must decline jurisdiction (automatically transfer to adult court) if:

Juvenile is 16 or 17 years old, AND
Charged with serious violent offense, AND
Juvenile has prior history (prior serious violent offense adjudication or two prior violent offense adjudications)

Discretionary Decline

Prosecutor may request decline for:

Juveniles 16–17 charged with serious violent offenses (murder, rape, robbery with weapon, assault 1st)
Juveniles with prior violent history charged with new violent offense
Other serious felonies (case-by-case basis)

Decline Hearing Process & Kent Factors +

Burden: Prosecution must prove by preponderance of evidence (more likely than not) that decline is appropriate.

Factors Court Considers (Kent Factors)

Seriousness of Offense: Nature and circumstances of alleged crime, violence involved, use of weapons, harm to victim
Juvenile's Culpability: Role in offense (leader vs. follower), level of planning and sophistication, age and maturity, peer pressure or coercion
Prior Record: Number and nature of prior adjudications, juvenile's response to prior interventions, pattern of escalating behavior
Amenability to Rehabilitation: Is the juvenile treatable within the juvenile system before aging out? Mental health, substance abuse issues (treatable?), family support, school performance and engagement, acceptance of responsibility
Protection of Public: Risk juvenile poses to community, likelihood of reoffending

Outcomes

Decline Granted: Case transferred to adult court. Juvenile prosecuted as adult (faces prison, adult criminal record). Devastating outcome — we fight aggressively to prevent this.
Decline Denied: Case remains in juvenile court. Juvenile faces juvenile dispositions (detention until 21 maximum, in most cases).

Our Decline Defense Strategy +

We retain experts to demonstrate amenability to treatment:

Forensic psychologists evaluate the juvenile and provide testimony about brain development, trauma history, treatment needs, and rehabilitation potential
Education specialists present school plans and special education services
Family therapists testify about family support and home environment
Substance abuse counselors propose treatment plans

We present compelling mitigation showing your child deserves to remain in the juvenile system where rehabilitation is possible.

Common Juvenile Offenses We Defend

We defend young people facing charges across the full range of juvenile offenses in Pierce County.

Assault Offenses +

Fights at school, altercations with peers, family conflicts that escalate to physical contact.

Charge Levels

Assault 2nd Degree: Most common serious assault charge — typically from fights causing substantial bodily harm (broken bones, injuries requiring stitches) or use of weapons
Assault 3rd Degree: Assault of specific victims (teachers, school staff, police)
Assault 4th Degree: Simple assault — pushing, shoving, hitting without serious injury

Common Contexts

School fights (peer conflicts, bullying)
Sibling fights at home
Altercations at parties, social events
Conflicts with parents or stepparents

Defenses

Self-defense (responding to bullying, attack)
Defense of others (protecting friend or sibling)
Mutual combat (both parties fighting)
False accusation (other student fabricating)
Exaggerated injuries (alleged victim claiming more harm than occurred)

Theft & Property Offenses +

Shoplifting is overwhelmingly the most common juvenile property offense, often committed on dares, peer pressure, or poor judgment.

Offense Types

Theft 3rd Degree: Shoplifting from stores, stealing from school (lockers, backpacks), taking items from vehicles, theft from family members
Vehicle Prowling: Breaking into vehicles to steal items. Often targets unlocked cars for loose change, sunglasses, electronics.
Burglary: Entering buildings to commit theft. Breaking into sheds, garages, storage units. Residential burglary (entering homes).
TMVWOP ("Joyriding"): Taking vehicle without owner's permission. Often taking parent's car, friend's car, unlocked vehicle. Serious offense (often gross misdemeanor or felony).
Malicious Mischief (Vandalism): Graffiti, breaking windows, damaging property. Degree depends on value of damage.

Why Juveniles Commit Property Crimes

Peer pressure, dares, trying to impress friends
Substance abuse (stealing to support habit or while intoxicated)
Poverty (stealing necessities)
Thrill-seeking behavior
Poor impulse control (adolescent brain development)

Consequences Beyond Court

School discipline (suspension, expulsion)
Loss of extracurricular eligibility (sports, clubs)
College applications (must disclose adjudications)
Restitution (parents often responsible for paying)

Drug & Alcohol Offenses +

Substance use and possession are increasingly common among teenagers, particularly marijuana and alcohol.

Offense Types

Possession of Controlled Substances: Marijuana (over legal limits — minors cannot possess), prescription drugs without prescription, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, vaping products with THC
Possession with Intent to Deliver: Selling or distributing drugs to peers. Large quantities, packaging, scales, cash. Texts/social media showing distribution. Enhanced penalties for distribution at school.
Minor in Possession (MIP): Alcohol possession or consumption. Common at parties, school events, concerts. Often first offense for many juveniles.
Paraphernalia: Pipes, vaping devices, syringes. Often charged alongside possession.

School-Related Complications

Drug possession at school triggers school discipline (suspension, expulsion)
Drug-free school zones (enhanced penalties for distribution near schools)
Loss of parking privileges, extracurriculars

Treatment-focused dispositions: Juvenile drug cases often result in substance abuse evaluations, treatment programs, and family therapy rather than pure punishment. Courts recognize addiction and experimentation require treatment, not just detention.

Weapons Offenses +

Washington has strict laws about juveniles possessing firearms and weapons, particularly on school grounds.

Charge Types

Unlawful Possession of Firearm (Juvenile): Juveniles generally prohibited from possessing firearms (exceptions for hunting with adult supervision, in own home with parental permission). Enhanced penalties if at school or during commission of offense.
Dangerous Weapons at School: Knives, brass knuckles, other weapons on school grounds. Mandatory expulsion under federal Gun-Free Schools Act. Serious juvenile charge.

Common Scenarios

Juvenile brings parent's gun to school (to show friends, intimidate others, or genuine belief needed for protection)
Knife in backpack (forgotten it was there, brought for legitimate purpose)
BB guns, replica firearms (treated seriously despite not being real firearms)

Defenses

Lack of knowledge (didn't know weapon in backpack)
Not a "firearm" or "dangerous weapon" under statute
Lawful possession (hunting, home, with parent)

Domestic Violence (Juvenile) +

Altercations with parents, stepparents, or siblings designated as domestic violence.

Common Scenarios

Argument with parent escalates to physical contact (pushing, shoving)
Fight with sibling resulting in injury
Conflict with stepparent
Throwing objects, damaging property during family argument

Consequences

Juvenile DV adjudications can affect future custody rights (when juvenile becomes parent)
Firearm prohibition (same as adults — lifetime ban)
Family relationships strained
May be removed from home temporarily

Treatment Approach

Family therapy (address underlying dynamics)
Individual counseling
Anger management
Parent-teen conflict resolution programs

Consequences of Juvenile Adjudications

While juvenile records are sealed and confidential, adjudications still create significant consequences that affect young people's futures.

Immediate Consequences +

Detention Time: Juveniles can be held in detention facilities for weeks or months depending on offense seriousness and disposition. Detention means separation from family, missing school, loss of freedom, and exposure to institutional environment that can be traumatic.
Probation Supervision: Regular meetings with probation officer, compliance with strict conditions, ongoing monitoring that restricts freedom and requires accountability. Violations result in detention or enhanced dispositions.
Restitution: Juveniles (and parents) responsible for paying restitution to victims for property damage, stolen items, medical expenses, and other losses. Amounts can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Treatment Requirements: Court-ordered counseling, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, anger management, sex offender treatment (if applicable). Time-consuming and requires engagement and compliance.
Community Service: Court often orders community service hours (10–100+ hours depending on offense). Must be completed at approved agencies, documented, and verified.

Long-Term Consequences +

Criminal Record (Though Sealed)

Juvenile records are sealed and confidential, but they're not erased. Who can access sealed juvenile records:

Law enforcement (for future investigations)
Prosecutors (calculating offender scores if charged as adult)
Courts (sentencing in future cases)
Military (enlistment background checks)
Federal agencies (security clearances)

College Applications

Many college applications ask: "Have you ever been adjudicated of an offense or convicted of a crime?"

Private colleges often ask explicitly about juvenile records
Lying on application = grounds for denial or later expulsion
Some colleges reject applicants with violent offense histories
Financial aid and scholarships may be affected by drug adjudications

Military Enlistment

Armed forces conduct thorough background checks and can see sealed juvenile records:

Some offenses disqualify from service
Waivers sometimes available depending on offense, time passed, rehabilitation
Certain positions (intelligence, security) require higher clearance (juvenile record problematic)

Professional Licensing

Licensing boards for regulated professions can access juvenile records in some circumstances:

Nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors
Lawyers, accountants
Real estate agents, contractors
Disclosure may be required on licensing applications

Employment

Most private employers cannot access sealed juvenile records. However:

Government jobs (law enforcement, corrections, courts) can access
Jobs requiring high-level security clearance can access
Lying about juvenile record on job application = grounds for termination

Future Adult Charges

Juvenile adjudications can count toward adult offender score for certain serious offenses:

Serious violent offenses
Sex offenses
Drug delivery convictions
This means juvenile history increases your prison sentence if charged as adult later

Sealing & Expungement of Juvenile Records

One of the most important aspects of juvenile defense is ensuring records are properly sealed as soon as eligible.

Automatic Sealing +

Diversion Cases

Automatically sealed upon successful completion
No waiting period

Adjudications

Records automatically sealed at various intervals depending on offense:

Non-serious offenses: 2 years after completion of disposition (if no new adjudications)
Serious offenses: 5 years after completion (if no new adjudications)
Serious violent offenses: May never be automatically sealed (remain accessible)

Petition for Sealing +

If not automatically sealed, the juvenile (or parent on their behalf) can petition the court to seal records.

Eligibility Requirements

Time period passed (2–5 years depending on offense)
No pending charges
No new adjudications
Completed all disposition requirements (restitution paid, community service done, probation completed)

Process

File motion to seal records
Notify prosecutor
Hearing (if prosecutor objects)
Judge grants or denies

If Sealed

Records inaccessible to most entities
Juvenile can legally state they have no juvenile record (in most contexts)
Applies to employment and housing applications

We help clients seal records as soon as they're eligible — critical for moving forward without juvenile history following them.

Parents' Role in Juvenile Cases

Parents are deeply involved in juvenile proceedings, both legally and practically, and their participation significantly affects outcomes.

Legal Rights & Responsibilities +

Parents Have the Right To

Attend all hearings (closed proceedings; public excluded, but parents allowed)
Receive notice of all court dates
Participate in disposition planning
Access court records and reports
Communicate with probation officers

Parents Are Often Responsible For

Restitution payments (if juvenile can't pay)
Transportation to court, probation meetings, treatment
Supervising compliance with probation conditions
Paying for treatment, classes, drug testing (sliding scale available)

Parental Involvement Affects Outcomes +

Judges consider parental support when making disposition decisions:

Positive Factors

Parents attend hearings, show concern
Stable home environment
Parental supervision and structure
Willingness to participate in family therapy
Parents enforce consequences and boundaries

Negative Factors

Parents don't appear at hearings
Chaotic home (domestic violence, substance abuse)
Parent blames child entirely (no accountability for family dynamics)
Parent minimizes offense ("boys will be boys")

Family therapy is often ordered to address underlying dynamics contributing to delinquent behavior.

What Parents Should Do +

Do

Hire experienced juvenile defense attorney (or ensure appointed attorney is qualified)
Attend all hearings (shows support and concern)
Maintain open communication with attorney (provide information, ask questions)
Supervise child (ensure school attendance, curfew compliance, no contact with co-defendants)
Support treatment (get child to counseling, treatment, classes)
Document progress (school attendance records, treatment completion certificates)
Avoid punishing before court does (let legal process run its course)
Get family therapy if needed (address family conflicts contributing to behavior)

Don't

Don't minimize offense (taking responsibility is important)
Don't blame entirely on peers (judges want to see acknowledgment of your child's choices)
Don't miss hearings (looks like lack of concern)
Don't let child talk to police without attorney (even if "just wants to explain")

School Discipline & Juvenile Charges

Juvenile offenses often trigger dual consequences — court proceedings and school discipline.

School Discipline Process (Separate from Court) +

Schools can impose:

Suspension (short-term: 1–10 days; long-term: 11+ days)
Expulsion (removal for semester, year, or permanently)
Loss of extracurricular eligibility (sports, clubs, activities)
Transfer to alternative school
Loss of parking privileges

Federal requirements: Gun-Free Schools Act requires mandatory 1-year expulsion for weapons at school (state can modify).

Overlap Between Court and School +

Court Adjudication Affects School

School learns about adjudication (through probation officer, police liaison)
Uses adjudication as basis for discipline
May impose additional consequences (even if court gave lenient disposition)

School Discipline Affects Court

Expulsion used as evidence of seriousness
Suspension history shows pattern
Probation condition often requires school attendance (can't comply if expelled)

Defending on Both Fronts +

We coordinate with school discipline attorneys or advise families on school appeals:

Challenge expulsions (due process rights in school discipline)
Negotiate alternative placements (instead of expulsion)
Request manifestation determinations (if special education — disability caused behavior)
Ensure school doesn't impose discipline exceeding what law allows

Defenses Unique to Juvenile Cases

Beyond standard criminal defenses (self-defense, lack of evidence, illegal searches), juvenile cases involve age-specific considerations.

Brain Development & Diminished Capacity +

Adolescent Brain Science

Prefrontal cortex (responsible for judgment, impulse control, risk assessment) not fully developed until mid-20s
Teenagers more susceptible to peer pressure
Less able to foresee consequences
More impulsive, less able to control emotions

Legal Impact

Supports mitigation at disposition (argue for less harsh consequences)
Supports decline defense (argue juvenile is amenable to treatment because brain still developing)
Expert testimony from psychologists, neuroscientists

Peer Pressure & Coercion +

Juveniles are more vulnerable to peer influence:

Desire to fit in, be accepted, avoid ridicule
Fear of retaliation if they don't participate
Influenced by older teens or gang members

Defense: Minor role (follower, not leader). Coerced or pressured by others. Wouldn't have committed offense absent peer influence.

Family Trauma & Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) +

Trauma Histories

Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional)
Neglect
Witnessing domestic violence
Parent incarceration, death, abandonment
Poverty, homelessness, instability

Trauma Affects Behavior

Fight-or-flight responses (aggression, defiance)
Attachment disorders (difficulty trusting adults, forming relationships)
PTSD (hyper-vigilance, emotional dysregulation)
Self-medicating with drugs/alcohol

Defense Strategy

Present trauma history as context (not excuse)
Argue for trauma-informed treatment rather than punishment
Expert testimony (psychologists, therapists)
Show juvenile needs help, not detention

Mental Health & Neurodevelopmental Disorders +

Undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues contribute to delinquency:

ADHD (impulsivity, poor decision-making)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Conduct Disorder
Depression, anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Autism spectrum disorders (social misunderstandings, difficulty reading situations)
Learning disabilities (school frustration leading to acting out)

Defense Approach

Obtain psychological evaluation (identify disorders)
Present evaluation to court (shows need for treatment)
Propose treatment-focused disposition
Argue detention won't address underlying issues

Special Education & IEPs +

Juveniles with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are protected under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

School must conduct manifestation determination before disciplining:

Was behavior caused by disability?
Was behavior the result of school's failure to implement IEP?
If yes, discipline is limited

Court considers special education status: cognitive limitations affect culpability, need for specialized services, and school's responsibility to provide appropriate support.

Our Juvenile Defense Strategy

Defending young people requires a different approach than adult defense — we address not just legal issues but developmental, educational, and family factors.

Phase 1: Immediate Intervention +

Detention Hearing (If Detained)

Argue for release to parents
Present family stability, parental supervision
Show juvenile is not a flight risk or danger

Early Investigation

Interview juvenile (understand what happened from their perspective)
Interview parents (family context, child's history)
Identify witnesses (peers, teachers, family)
Preserve evidence (social media, texts, videos)

Phase 2: Diversion Advocacy +

For eligible juveniles, we push for diversion:

Negotiate with prosecutor before charges filed
Present mitigation (first offense, family support, already in counseling)
Propose appropriate diversion terms
Ensure successful completion

Benefits: Avoid court entirely. No adjudication, no record. A learning experience without lasting consequences.

Phase 3: Comprehensive Case Investigation +

We build a complete picture of your child:

Educational Records

Academic performance
Attendance
Disciplinary history
Special education (IEP, 504 Plan)
Teacher recommendations

Mental Health

Psychological evaluations
Therapy records (with consent)
Diagnoses, treatment history
Medication compliance

Family Assessment

Family therapy involvement
Home environment
Parental support and supervision
Trauma history

Positive Activities

Sports, clubs, hobbies
Volunteer work
Church involvement
Employment

This information is used for mitigation at disposition, decline defense (showing amenability to treatment), negotiation with the prosecutor, and demonstrating your child is more than their worst decision.

Phase 4: Motion Practice +

Same pretrial motions as adult court:

Suppress Evidence

Illegal searches (school locker searches without reasonable suspicion, car searches without cause)
Coerced confessions (juveniles particularly vulnerable to interrogation pressure)
Miranda violations

School Searches (Special Rules)

Lower standard than police searches (reasonable suspicion vs. probable cause)
But still must be reasonable in scope
We challenge overreaching searches

Interrogation of Juveniles

Police must inform juvenile of rights
Courts scrutinize confessions carefully (juveniles more suggestible, easily intimidated)
We challenge confessions obtained without parent present, after lengthy interrogation, or through deceptive tactics

Phase 5: Trial or Admission Negotiation +

Trial

If the case proceeds to adjudication hearing, we present vigorous defense:

Cross-examine prosecution witnesses (police, alleged victims, school officials)
Challenge reliability of juvenile witnesses (peer pressure to lie, faulty memories, bias)
Present defense witnesses (character witnesses, alibi, self-defense corroboration)
Argue reasonable doubt

Negotiated Admission

If evidence is strong, we negotiate for:

Reduced charges
Agreed disposition recommendations
Treatment-focused consequences
Protection against decline to adult court

Phase 6: Disposition Advocacy +

We fight for minimal, treatment-focused dispositions:

Mitigation Presentation

Family testimony (parents, siblings, grandparents speak to juvenile's character, family support)
Teachers, coaches, mentors (positive influence, potential)
Psychological evaluations (explain behavior, rehabilitation potential)
School plans (return to school, graduate, college plans)
Treatment already started (proactive counseling, substance abuse treatment)

Our Goal

Community supervision instead of detention
Treatment instead of punishment
Rehabilitation services that address root causes
Minimal restrictions that allow school, activities, normal development

For Serious Offenses

Local sanctions instead of state commitment
Shorter detention periods
Gradual step-down (detention → group home → home with supervision)

Why Juvenile Defense Matters

Some people question whether juveniles "really need" attorneys — after all, the system is supposed to focus on helping kids, not punishing them. This misunderstands the reality of juvenile court.

Prosecutors Seek Adjudications +

Prosecutors in juvenile court are just as adversarial as adult court:

Build cases to secure adjudications
Seek detention and accountability
Argue for enhanced dispositions
Pursue decline to adult court for serious offenses

Without a defense attorney, a juvenile is overmatched.

Consequences Are Real and Lasting +

Adjudications affect:

College admissions
Military enlistment
Professional licenses
Future criminal cases (offender score)

Bad dispositions derail lives:

Detention disrupts school (fall behind academically, lose credits, don't graduate on time)
State commitment removes juvenile from family for months (developmental harm, family bonds strained)
Harsh probation conditions set juvenile up to fail (technical violations lead to detention)

Early Intervention Changes Trajectories +

Effective defense:

Secures diversion (avoid adjudication entirely)
Wins dismissals (charges never proven)
Achieves treatment-focused dispositions (address underlying issues)
Prevents decline to adult court (most critical for serious cases)

These outcomes allow the juvenile to:

Stay in school
Remain with family
Get treatment for mental health, substance abuse
Move forward without a record

One good attorney at the right time can change a young person's entire life trajectory.

Pierce County Juvenile Court

Court Location

Pierce County Juvenile Court
5501 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406

Remann Hall (Detention Center):
Same address as Juvenile Court

Jurisdiction

All juvenile offenses in Pierce County (cities: Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, University Place, Fife, Fircrest, Bonney Lake, Sumner, Gig Harbor, and all other Pierce County municipalities)

Probation Services: Pierce County Juvenile Court Probation monitors juveniles on community supervision, prepares pre-disposition reports, and recommends dispositions.

Serving Pierce County and South Puget Sound

Melvin & Torrone defends juveniles facing charges throughout Pierce County, including:

Tacoma Lakewood Puyallup University Place Fife Fircrest Bonney Lake Gig Harbor Sumner DuPont Spanaway Graham

Our office is located at 950 Pacific Ave, Suite 720, Tacoma, WA 98402 — steps from Pierce County Superior Court and the Pierce County Juvenile Court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Defense

At what age can a child be charged with a crime in Washington?

Age 8 is the minimum. Children under 8 cannot be charged (lack capacity to form criminal intent). Jurisdiction continues through age 17. Once a child turns 18, new charges are filed in adult court.

Will my child's juvenile record follow them forever?

Juvenile records are sealed and confidential. Most employers, landlords, and colleges can't access them. However, law enforcement, prosecutors, military, and some licensing boards can access sealed records. Records can be sealed (made inaccessible) after a waiting period if no new offenses.

Can my child be tried as an adult?

Yes, for serious violent offenses. Prosecutors can request a decline hearing seeking transfer to adult court. If granted, the juvenile faces adult penalties including prison. This is why experienced representation is critical for serious charges — we fight decline motions aggressively.

Should my child talk to police?

No. Invoke the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Juveniles are particularly vulnerable to coercive interrogation tactics, false confessions, and saying things that hurt their case. Never let your child speak to police without an attorney present.

Will my child go to jail?

Depends on the offense and prior history. First-time offenders for non-violent misdemeanors rarely get detention — more likely community supervision, probation, and treatment. Serious violent offenses or repeat offenders may receive detention or commitment to a state facility.

Can we get the charges dismissed?

Possibly. If evidence is weak, a search was illegal, or diversion is available, dismissal is achievable. We evaluate every case for dismissal opportunities.

What is Remann Hall?

Pierce County's juvenile detention center (5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma). Juveniles are held there pretrial (if not released to parents) or serve detention time as part of disposition. It is a secure facility with education and recreation, but still institutional confinement.

Can juvenile adjudications be used against my child later?

Yes, in limited circumstances. Serious violent offenses and sex offenses count toward adult offender score if your child is charged as an adult later. Juvenile history is also considered in future juvenile cases and affects disposition.

Do we need a lawyer if it's my child's first offense?

Yes. Even first offenses benefit from attorney representation. An attorney can negotiate diversion, challenge evidence, ensure rights are protected, and prevent mistakes that create a record. An appointed attorney is available if you can't afford private counsel.

Your Child's Future Is at Stake

If your child is facing juvenile charges, contact us immediately. Early intervention creates opportunities for diversion, better negotiation, and protecting your child's future.

One mistake doesn't have to define their life. Call us today.

Free Consultation

Payment plans available. Evening and weekend appointments available.

What to Bring to Your Juvenile Defense Consultation

Charging documents (citation, summons, complaint)

Police reports (if available)

Court dates and case number

Your child's school records (report cards, attendance, IEP if applicable)

Mental health records (evaluations, therapy records, diagnoses — if you consent to share)

Timeline of events (what happened, when, who was involved)

Witness information (friends, teachers, family who can provide context)

Evidence supporting defense (texts, social media, photos, videos)

Prior juvenile history (if any — prior adjudications, diversion completions)

Even if you don't have all documents, come to consultation — we'll help obtain records and build defense.

The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by visiting this website. Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact Melvin & Torrone at (253) 327-1280 for a consultation regarding your specific situation.