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Juvenile Weapons Charges and the Path to Case Dismissal

Law Office of Katie Walsh

A weapons charge can change your teen’s life in an instant, impacting their future in Orange County schools, jobs, and beyond. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, our experienced Orange County juvenile defense lawyers know how to fight these serious accusations and work toward case dismissal through strong legal strategies.

Understanding California Juvenile Court Procedures for Weapons Charges

When your teen faces weapons charges, the juvenile court process can feel confusing and overwhelming. In California, juvenile courts focus on helping youth get back on track rather than just punishing them. After charges are filed, your child will attend hearings to respond and may undergo evaluations or treatment plans. 

Having a knowledgeable Orange County juvenile defense attorney by your side makes a big difference in navigating the process and working toward the best result for your family.

Common Juvenile Weapons Charges in Orange County

Orange County prosecutors often file weapons charges against minors for offenses including:

  • Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds (PC § 626.10): Even everyday items like pocket knives or bats can be considered weapons.
  • Carrying a Concealed Weapon (PC § 25400): Carrying hidden knives or prohibited items, even inherited tools can lead to charges.
  • Brandishing a Weapon (PC § 417): Threatening display of a weapon or posting weapon photos on social media may result in charges.

If your child is facing juvenile weapons charges, an experienced Orange County juvenile defense attorney can protect their rights and work to secure the best possible outcome.

When and How to Challenge Evidence in Juvenile Weapons Cases

An experienced Orange County juvenile defense lawyer can use several approaches to seek dismisIllegal searches or evidence seizures can be challenged to get key evidence excluded.

  • Illegal searches or evidence seizures can be challenged to get key evidence excluded.
  • Lack of intent can be a defense if your teen did not mean to use the item as a weapon.
  • Mistaken identity may clear your teen if they were wrongly accused in a group situation.
  • Police must have reasonable suspicion for stops; violations can lead to case dismissal.

The sooner you get help, the better. The Law Office of Katie Walsh stands ready as your Orange County juvenile defense attorney to defend your teen’s rights and secure dismissal.

Alternative Court Programs for Juvenile Weapons Charges in Orange County

If immediate dismissal isn’t possible, diversion programs offer a way to avoid formal convictions:

  • Informal Probation: Teens complete community service and counseling, and upon success, charges are dismissed without court proceedings.
  • Deferred Entry of Judgment: This program allows teens to avoid conviction by meeting specific requirements. After completion, the case is dismissed.
  • Juvenile Drug Court: For cases involving substance abuse, this court provides treatment options while addressing related weapons charges.

Diversion programs offer second chances. Let our Orange County juvenile defense lawyers guide your family through the process.

Contact an Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer Now

Protecting your teen’s future starts with quick action. Early intervention preserves evidence and helps build a strong defense for dismissal or reduced charges. A single mistake should not define your child’s life. 

At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, our experienced Orange County juvenile defense attorneys understand the local court system and know how to fight for the best outcome. Don’t wait, call us today at (714) 351-0178 or contact us online for skilled legal help that protects your teen’s rights and future.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester after he catches up with his classes. The...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the expungement was not automatic, she was...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything would be Ok- and it was. The judge...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the case will get completely dismissed and...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son released from custody with credit for time...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and back home with us at the detention...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel very comfortable during this process. As...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the police were giving us the run-around and not...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a hearing, she was able to get my record...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be dismissed! I would recommend Ms. Walsh if...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of speaking with her. She was always available to...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed under penal code 786, it means his...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me and made feel like I was her most...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able to get my son Community Service and a...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would be able to help us. Those words couldn't...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges dismissed, and I only served 30 days in...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with, she was very accessible and easy to get a...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable source of information. She prepared me...

RG

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal awareness class, returned in 6 months and...

RS

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed entirely! Ms. Walsh was available to us...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She listened to us, guided us through the...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though probation said this would take...

XL, juvenile client

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