Experienced San Diego Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyer Protecting Your Child’s Future
Last updated on March 17, 2026
The criminal justice system differs with respect to juvenile crimes. Although punishment in the form of detention can be imposed, the ultimate goal is to make sure juveniles receive rehabilitation and treatment rather than incarceration. Our attorney Mark Deniz can advocate for your family and guide you through the process.
If your child has been arrested, you know this is a life-changing event. Like most offenses, juvenile convictions can have devastating consequences. Some offenses, commonly referred to as 707(b) offenses, can result in adult “strike” convictions under California’s three-strikes law. It is important to contact a San Diego juvenile crime attorney immediately. As your child’s attorney, our objective is to help your child fight the allegations in order to preserve their adult record. Our attorney Mark Deniz can do this for you.
Contact The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC for your free case evaluation right away at 858-429-9982.
Defense Against All Juvenile Charges
Our firm provides a robust defense against a wide range of allegations. We understand that a single mistake should not define a young person’s entire life. We frequently handle cases involving:
- Theft and shoplifting: Advocating for the dismissal of retail charges to prevent a permanent mark on future college or job applications.
- Property crimes: Challenging the prosecution’s evidence regarding intent in cases of vandalism, graffiti or more serious arson allegations.
- Drug and alcohol offenses: Prioritizing enrollment in diversion and education programs over traditional detention or punitive measures.
- Violent offenses: Developing a comprehensive defense against assault or robbery charges to safeguard your child’s constitutional rights and freedom.
Regardless of the specific allegation, our priority is to secure a dismissal or reduction of charges to shield your child’s future opportunities from a permanent criminal stigma.
Experienced Advocacy From A Former Senior Prosecutor
As a former senior-level prosecutor (deputy district attorney IV), our attorney has worked on thousands of juvenile cases. He has a unique perspective that most other criminal law attorneys lack. Having experienced aggressive representation can be the difference between having the allegations successfully resolved or burdening your child with criminal consequences for the rest of his or her life.
San Diego Juvenile Delinquency System Graph
Understanding the steps of the juvenile justice system is the first step toward a successful defense:
- Arrest and intake: Following an arrest, the Probation Department determines whether to release the minor or keep them in custody. During this probation investigation, the officer may decide to close the case with a warning or diversion, ending the process before it reaches a judge.
- The petition: If the case is not closed, the district attorney must file a formal petition within 48 hours. This acts as the formal charge.
- Detention hearing: Occurring usually within 24 hours of the petition filing, a judge decides if the minor stays in juvenile hall. This is the first opportunity for an attorney to argue for the child’s release to their parents.
- Jurisdictional hearing: Taking place within 15 to 30 calendar days, this serves as the trial phase. If the judge finds the evidence insufficient, the petition is dismissed, and the child is released. If the judge finds the allegations are true, the petition is sustained – the juvenile equivalent of a “guilty” verdict.
- Disposition hearing: Finalizing the case shortly after the allegations are sustained, the court decides on a rehabilitative plan such as probation or camp placement.
- Monitoring and termination: After the plan is set, the court holds periodic progress review hearings. If the minor successfully completes their requirements, jurisdiction is terminated and the case is closed. If not, the court may order continued probation or more restrictive placement.
Our legal team monitors every stage of this timeline to ensure that procedural errors by the state do not compromise your child’s right to a fair hearing.
Contact A San Diego Juvenile Defense Attorney Today
Do not let a mistake define your child’s life. At The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC, we are committed to fighting for your family with the aggressive advocacy your case deserves.
Call us at 858-429-9982 now or send us a message for a confidential, no-cost consultation.