45+ Years
Of Combined Experience
If you’re reading this, your child or other family member may be facing serious legal challenges. As parents ourselves, we understand how overwhelming and frightening this moment can be. With over 45 years of combined experience as criminal defense attorneys, we know the juvenile justice system from every angle.
At Will & Will, we maintain a manageable caseload so we can give your child’s case the attention and care it deserves. We don’t see your child as just another file; we are committed to careful investigation and strong advocacy on their behalf. Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain exactly how we can help your family navigate this difficult time.
The good news: Washington state’s juvenile courts prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. Compared to the adult criminal justice system, the juvenile system offers more alternatives to confinement, such as diversion programs and counseling. An experienced attorney understands these key differences and uses them to protect your child’s future from long-term consequences. Unlike adult proceedings, juvenile courts focus on addressing underlying issues and providing support systems that encourage positive behavioral change and offer opportunities for personal growth to young offenders.
In Washington, juvenile charges are referred to as “offenses,” and sentencing is referred to as a “disposition.” If convicted, there is a broad range of potential consequences, including confinement in a juvenile rehabilitation facility and/or community supervision. The court uses a grading system established under RCW 13.40.0357 based on factors such as criminal history and offense severity, and in some cases age, to help inform sentencing decisions. However, many other factors can influence the ultimate outcome.
Understanding this complex scoring matrix requires specialized knowledge of Washington’s criminal codes, judicial discretion factors, and how prosecutors calculate recommended dispositions based on statutory guidelines and individual circumstances.
Under Washington law, minors can face criminal charges for the same conduct as adults. Children aged 12 and older may be charged with a range of offenses, including:
Each of these charges can carry serious legal consequences, making early legal guidance critical.
At Will & Will, our dedicated attorneys understand the nuances of the juvenile justice system and fight to protect your child’s rights and future.
We engage prosecutors immediately, often before charges are filed under RCW 13.40.070, seeking a decision to decline to file formal charges and/or allow for favorable pre-filing diversion options. Our proactive approach pursues defense investigation and presents mitigating evidence early, demonstrating your child’s positive attributes while advocating for alternatives that prevent formal court involvement.
We meticulously analyze evidence to identify weaknesses and build strong defense strategies. Our comprehensive review and investigation examines police procedures, witness credibility, constitutional violations, and evidentiary issues while developing compelling arguments challenging the prosecution’s case and highlighting factors supporting dismissal.
Our approach emphasizes rehabilitative outcomes over punitive measures, advocating for counseling, education, and community service in place of detention, consistent with the community-based rehabilitation and services contemplated by RCW 13.40.020. We identify appropriate treatment programs and resources that address issues while demonstrating your child’s commitment to positive change.
We prioritize solutions that keep your child’s record as clean as possible. We understand the potential for negative impacts on education, college admissions, scholarships, military enlistment, professional licensing, job prospects, etc. Thus, outcomes that avoid such long-term impacts are critical to achieve through strategic negotiation.
We provide clear, compassionate guidance, helping your family navigate the stressful court process with confidence. Our attorneys explain proceedings in understandable terms, prepare your child for court, answer questions promptly, and offer emotional support throughout this challenging experience.
Washington law allows for the sealing of most juvenile records under RCW 13.50.260 after specific conditions are met. This process removes the offense from public view, protecting future education and career opportunities. We guide families through this critical final step. In some cases, there is an administrative sealing process that takes place. In others, you have to proactively file a petition to seal a juvenile record.
Sealing eligibility depends on offense severity, time elapsed since case closure, and subsequent behavior; it requires careful legal analysis and proper petition filing to ensure your child’s past mistakes remain confidential.
A juvenile offense is a serious matter with consequences that can follow a child into adulthood, impacting college admissions, scholarships, and job prospects. The outcome of your child’s case can set the course for the rest of their life.
The attorneys at Will & Will fight tirelessly to prevent a youthful mistake from defining your child’s future. We leverage our deep experience in the juvenile system to secure the best possible outcome and protect what matters most: their future. Our collaborative husband-and-wife team approach ensures comprehensive case analysis from multiple legal perspectives, providing your family with dedicated advocacy, strategic defense planning, and unwavering commitment to achieving results that preserve opportunities.
There is no bail in juvenile court, only one of the following:
Good question, but tough to answer. Most cases can be resolved in the 3-6 month range, while others can take substantially longer.
Not likely, as the vast majority of juvenile convictions are eligible to be completely SEALED. This is a better remedy than vacating/expunging a conviction in that once a conviction is sealed, it cannot be used against a juvenile for any purpose.
For example, a sealed conviction will not come up on a background check, and it also allows you to lawfully say you have never been convicted (this assumes there are no other convictions on your record).
It depends on what the conviction is for. For most offenses, it is two years, and for others, it is five years.
While possible, again, this can be avoided in most cases. Many cases fall under what is referred to as local sanctions, and if not, most remaining dispositions are measured in weeks rather than months or years.
No, trials are conducted in front of a judge, rather than a jury. The jury system is set up as a right to be tried by one’s peers. With a juvenile case, there can’t be a bunch of kids on a jury.
Due to the lack of a right to a jury trial, fewer juvenile cases end up going to trial when compared to adult cases (and it’s already a low percentage in adult court).
You will generally need to be present for your arraignment, where a plea of not guilty is entered. That said, depending on the jurisdiction, you may be able to make this appearance via Zoom.
After that, you may not need to appear at pre-trial hearings either in person or via Zoom. In many jurisdictions, attorneys can handle these appearances for our clients.
If the case is going to resolve through a plea agreement of some kind, then you will likely need to be in person for that.
Overall, juvenile courts are generally pretty good about knowing that the most important place for kids to be is in school, and thus work to minimize disruption.
There can be in many circumstances. While the case is pending, you will be assigned a probation officer who will meet with both the juvenile and parents/guardians on a semi-regular basis. Then, once the case is resolved, there is often an additional period of probation.
No, and there are times when that can be for the best. Even if you are the one paying attorney fees, your child is the client. There will be attorney-client privilege that exists between your child and his/her attorney.
Juvenile charges carry serious, lasting consequences. Every day matters. Contact Will & Will immediately for dedicated defense that protects your child’s rights, record, and future opportunities.