Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Juvenile crimes

My 17 year old committed a felony - breaking and entering. He was with others and they were caught, but he wasn't. He later turned himself in, confessed to his part in the crime, spent 1 hour at Juvenile Hall, and than was released to us. We all signed a ''Promise to Appear''. Is it a done deal for his sentensing, or should we have a lawyer at the hearing. It's the first time for him and for us so I don't know if his confession sealed the deal; however, he won't recant his confession. He intends to do the time because he did the crime.


Asked on 5/29/09, 5:32 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Juvenile crimes

You should have taught your son to shut up and demand a lawyer when in the presence of police officers.

While his honesty and willingness to take responsibility is commendable in the abstract, because he ran on at the mouth he will now be stuck with whatever sentence they want to give him, and he will be saddled with a criminal record that will keep him from getting work 20 and 30 years from now. What he should have done was kept his mouth shut, asked you to help him select a lawyer, and had the lawyer negotiate for the best possible outcome. His idea of an appropriate punishment, and the district attorney's idea of an appropriate punishment, might be very different.

The fact that he confessed will hurt him, not help him.

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Answered on 5/29/09, 6:01 pm
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Juvenile crimes

You should retain an attorney to represent him. The attorney can review with him the possible defenses, if any, including whether or not the confession can be suppressed.

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Answered on 6/03/09, 4:11 pm


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