- Fax: 720-918-2906
- 11990 Grant Street, Suite 550, Northglenn, CO 80233
Denver Juvenile Defense: Protect Your Child's Future
former Juvenile Deputy District Attorney in Adams County, Attorney Lori Beck prosecuted juvenile cases and knows how the system works
720-209-1469
Your Child's Future Hangs in the Balance
Important: Assault charges in Colorado can result in decades in prison for felony convictions. Don't face these serious charges without experienced legal representation.
Don’t Let One Mistake Define Their Life
When your child faces criminal charges, nothing feels normal anymore. You’re scared, confused, and desperate to protect them from consequences that could follow them for life. The stakes couldn’t be higher—in Colorado, children as young as 12 can be prosecuted as adults for serious charges, facing decades in prison instead of rehabilitation.
Unlike adult court, the juvenile system claims to focus on rehabilitation, but the reality is harsh. Juvenile “adjudications” can destroy educational opportunities, eliminate career paths, and damage your child’s self-worth during their most formative years. Even worse, certain serious charges bypass juvenile court entirely, throwing your child into the adult system where they face the same penalties as hardened criminals.
As a former Juvenile Deputy District Attorney in Adams County, Attorney Lori Beck prosecuted these exact cases and knows how the system really works. She understands that behind every juvenile charge is a family in crisis, and she’s dedicated her career to helping families navigate this frightening process while fighting for outcomes that preserve your child’s future.
Your Guide to Juvenile Charges
Colorado’s legal definition of child abuse is broad and can be applied to many different situations. Understanding the specific conduct that can lead to these charges is crucial for your defense.
School-Related Offenses
Truancy
What It Is: Chronic absence from school without valid excuse.
Our Defense: We work with school officials to address underlying issues like bullying, learning disabilities, or family circumstances that contribute to attendance problems.
Consequences: Court supervision, mandatory school attendance, family counseling requirements.
Campus Assault
What It Is: Physical altercations or threats occurring on school property.
Our Defense: We investigate whether actions were self-defense, accidental, or resulted from bullying situations the school failed to address.
Consequences: School suspension/expulsion, juvenile detention, mandatory anger management.
Drug Possession on Campus
What It Is: Possessing illegal substances or prescription medications on school grounds.
Our Defense: We challenge search procedures, investigate whether substances belonged to others, and push for treatment over punishment.
Consequences: Automatic school expulsion under zero-tolerance policies, drug education programs, probation.
Drug & Alcohol Charges
Minor in Possession (MIP)
What It Is: Underage possession or consumption of alcohol or marijuana.
Our Defense: We challenge evidence of actual possession or consumption, investigate illegal searches, and negotiate community service over criminal conviction.
Consequences: Driver’s license suspension, fines, mandatory education programs, college financial aid impact.
Juvenile Drug Possession
What It Is: Possession of controlled substances including marijuana, prescription drugs, or harder drugs.
Our Defense: We challenge search and seizure procedures, investigate whether drugs belonged to others, and advocate for treatment programs over detention.
Consequences: Detention placement, mandatory drug testing, treatment programs, permanent criminal record.
Drug Distribution by Minors
What It Is: Selling or giving drugs to other minors, often including prescription medications.
Our Defense: We distinguish between sharing and selling, challenge evidence of intent to distribute, and fight adult court transfer attempts.
Consequences: Felony charges, potential adult court prosecution, mandatory minimum sentences.
Theft & Property Crimes
Shoplifting
What It Is: Taking merchandise from stores without paying.
Our Defense: We investigate whether actions were intentional, examine store security procedures, and negotiate restitution agreements over criminal conviction.
Consequences: Store bans, restitution payments, community service, employment background check issues.
Vandalism/Criminal Mischief
What It Is: Damaging or destroying others’ property, including graffiti.
Our Defense: We challenge damage valuations, investigate whether actions were accidental, and negotiate community service that benefits affected areas.
Consequences: Substantial restitution orders, community service hours, school suspension for school-related incidents.
Burglary
What It Is: Entering buildings unlawfully with intent to commit crimes.
Our Defense: We challenge intent elements, investigate whether entry was actually unlawful, and fight felony classifications that could trigger adult court.
Consequences: Felony charges, potential adult court prosecution, detention placement, long-term supervision.
Assault & Violence
Simple Assault
What It Is: Threatening or causing minor physical harm to others.
Our Defense: We investigate self-defense claims, examine witness credibility, and demonstrate lack of intent to harm.
Consequences: Anger management classes, victim impact programs, probation supervision.
Fighting/Affray
What It Is: Mutual combat or group fighting in public places.
Our Defense: We show your child was defending themselves or others, challenge identification by witnesses, and negotiate lesser charges.
Consequences: School suspension, community service, mandatory counseling, potential detention.
Aggravated Assault
What It Is: Causing serious bodily injury or using weapons during assaults.
Our Defense: We challenge weapon classifications, investigate self-defense claims, and fight adult court transfers aggressively.
Consequences: Adult court prosecution risk, detention placement, mandatory minimum sentences.
Sexual Assault
What It Is: Unwanted sexual contact or activity with others.
Our Defense: We investigate consent issues, challenge evidence reliability, and provide expert testimony on adolescent development and decision-making.
Consequences: Sex offender registration, adult court prosecution, long-term detention, lifetime consequences.
Armed Robbery
What It Is: Taking property from others using weapons or threats of violence.
Our Defense: We challenge weapon enhancements, investigate coercion by older individuals, and fight mandatory adult court prosecution.
Consequences: Automatic adult court filing, decades in prison if convicted, lifetime felony record.
Status Offenses
Curfew Violations
What It Is: Being in public places during hours when minors must be home.
Our Defense: We challenge enforcement selectivity, investigate legitimate reasons for being out, and negotiate community service.
Consequences: Fines, community service, earlier curfew requirements.
Runaway
What It Is: Leaving home without parental permission.
Our Defense: We investigate underlying family issues, advocate for family counseling, and work to address root causes.
Consequences: Detention placement, family counseling requirements, intensive supervision.
Direct File Cases
Colorado allows children as young as 12 to be prosecuted as adults for serious felonies. This eliminates juvenile court protections and subjects minors to adult sentences.
Our Defense Strategy:
- Challenge the prosecution’s evidence before adult court filing
- Demonstrate your child’s amenability to rehabilitation
- Present mitigation evidence showing potential for positive change
- Fight for reverse certification to juvenile court when possible
What’s at Stake:
- Decades in adult prison instead of juvenile detention
- Permanent adult criminal record
- Loss of educational and career opportunities
- Adult-level fines and consequences
What Are the Real Consequences of Juvenile Adjudication?
How Do Juvenile Records Impact Your Child’s Future?
Educational Consequences
- School suspension or expulsion
- Loss of participation in sports and activities
- Barriers to college admission and financial aid
- Mandatory reporting to school administrators
Employment and Career Impact
- Background checks revealing juvenile records
- Disqualification from certain jobs and professions
- Loss of military service opportunities
- Barriers to obtaining professional licenses
Personal and Social Effects
- Driver's license suspension or restrictions
- Mandatory counseling and treatment programs
- Probation supervision and home visits
- Random drug testing requirements
Financial Burden
- Substantial fines and court costs
- Restitution payments to victims
- Cost of mandatory counseling and treatment
Protect Your Child's Rights
What Should Parents Know About Police Questioning?
Critical Protection
Critical Protection: Colorado law requires a parent or guardian to be present when police question juveniles about alleged crimes. Statements made without parental presence are generally inadmissible in court.
These Protections Have Exceptions: If your child is 18 or older, or if they're represented by counsel and make a "knowing and voluntary" waiver, statements can be used against them.
Our Advice: Never allow your child to speak with police without an attorney present, even if you're there. Police are skilled at getting statements that seem innocent but can be used as evidence of guilt.
Your Responsibilities as a Parent
How Can You Support Your Child's Case?
Parental Responsibilities in Juvenile Cases
Mandatory Attendance: Parents must attend all juvenile court proceedings. Failure to appear can result in contempt charges against you.
Potential Requirements: If your child is adjudicated, the court may require you to participate in family counseling, parenting classes, or other programs. Non-compliance can result in sanctions against you.
Financial Responsibility: Parents may be liable for fines, restitution, and treatment costs associated with their child's case.
Our Support: We guide you through these responsibilities and help you understand how to best support your child while complying with court requirements.
Protect Your Child's Rights
Can Juvenile Records Be Sealed or Expunged?
Good News: Many juvenile records can be sealed, making them unavailable to employers, schools, and landlords during background checks.
The Process: Sealing requirements vary based on the offense type, your child's age at the time, and their subsequent behavior. Some records can be sealed immediately after completing their sentence, while others require waiting periods.
Our Service: We handle the entire record sealing process, ensuring your child's mistakes don't follow them into adulthood. This crucial step often makes the difference between limited opportunities and a bright future.
The Former Prosecutor Advantage That Protects Your Child
Why Choose Beck Law Office for Juvenile Defense?
Former Juvenile Prosecutor Advantage
As a Juvenile Deputy District Attorney in Adams County, Attorney Lori Beck prosecuted cases involving minors and understands exactly how the juvenile system operates. This experience provides crucial advantages:
- Prosecution Insight: She knows which evidence juvenile prosecutors rely on most heavily and where their cases are weakest.
- System Knowledge: Having worked within the juvenile system, she understands which judges, probation officers, and social workers respond to different defense strategies.
- Rehabilitation Focus: Her prosecutorial experience taught her which rehabilitation arguments and mitigation evidence most effectively influence outcomes for young offenders.
What Sets Our Juvenile Defense Apart?
- 24+ Years Combined Experience: Extensive experience both prosecuting and defending juvenile cases across all offense types
- Family-Centered Approach: We understand this affects your entire family and provide compassionate guidance throughout the process
- Educational Advocacy: We work with schools to minimize academic disruption and protect your child’s educational opportunities
- Future Protection: Our strategies focus on outcomes that preserve your child’s long-term opportunities
- Parent Support: We guide parents through their responsibilities and help them support their child effectively
Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Defense
At what age can children be charged with crimes in Colorado?
Ten (10) years old is the minimum age before a child can face criminal charges in Colorado Juvenile Court.
Can my child be detained before trial?
Yes, juveniles can be held in secure detention facilities if deemed a flight risk or danger to the community. We fight for release through home detention, electronic monitoring, or supervised release programs.
How long do juvenile cases typically take?
Juvenile cases often move faster than adult cases, sometimes resolving within a few months. However, complex cases or those involving psychological evaluations may take longer.
Will my child have to testify in court?
Your child has the same right to remain silent as adults. We carefully evaluate whether testimony would help or hurt their case and prepare them thoroughly if they choose to testify.
Your Child's Future Deserves Expert Defense
Juvenile charges threaten everything you’ve worked to provide for your child—their education, their career opportunities, their personal development, and their self-esteem. The juvenile system moves quickly, and prosecutors begin building their case immediately.
Don’t trust your child’s future to an attorney without specialized juvenile defense experience. The stakes are too high, and the consequences too lasting.
Time is critical in juvenile cases—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and initial decisions often determine the entire trajectory of the case. Contact us immediately for a confidential consultation where we’ll review your situation and explain how we can protect your child’s future.
Get Your First Consultation FREE!
Serving Colorado's Front Range
Beck Law Office represents families facing juvenile charges throughout Colorado:
Counties Served: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld
Major Cities: Northglenn, Thornton, Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Arvada
Juvenile Court Experience: We practice in juvenile courts throughout Colorado, understanding local procedures, judges, and rehabilitation programs available in each jurisdiction.
We Look At The Law Differently