Juvenile Defense

In California, the juvenile justice system is built on a different philosophy than the adult courts. While adult court is primarily focused on punishment and deterrence, the juvenile system—governed by the Welfare and Institutions Code—is designed around rehabilitation. However, even with this focus on "help," the stakes couldn't be higher. A juvenile adjudication can result in a record that impacts college admissions, professional licensing, and future employment.

Navigating the juvenile delinquency court requires an attorney who understands its unique procedures.

• No Jury Trials: In juvenile court, there are no juries. A single judge decides if the allegations in the "petition" are true.
• No Bail: Juveniles do not have a right to bail; instead, a judge determines at a "detention hearing" whether the minor should be released to their parents or held in custody.

At Taylor Law Firm, juvenile defense isn't just a practice area—it's a career-long commitment. We believe that a mistake in your youth should not define your entire life.

• Jordan’s Foundation: Jordan’s dedication to youth advocacy began in law school, where he worked in the Juvenile Justice Clinic. There, he spent his formative legal years representing teens, learning how to navigate the specific hurdles of the delinquency system and fighting to keep young people in their homes and schools rather than in detention.
• Chelsea’s Appellate Victory: Chelsea has a proven record of challenging the government even when the odds seem insurmountable. In a high-stakes juvenile homicide case, she stood by her young client through a difficult trial. Although the trial judge originally sustained the petition (the juvenile equivalent of a "guilty" verdict), the homicide conviction was overturned on appeal, a victory that fundamentally changed the trajectory of that young person's life.

We provide the high-end, individualized attention that large "factory" firms can't (or won't).

• Direct Attorney Access: You and your child will work directly with the lawyer handling the case. We believe in building trust and offering compassionate support to families during what is often the most stressful time of their lives.
• Holistic Defense: We don’t just look at the police report; we look at the whole child. We advocate for outcomes that prioritize education, counseling, and restorative justice over incarceration.
• The Taylor Promise: Our commitment to integrity and "bottom-line" results applies to our criminal defense work as well. We fight for dismissals, reductions, and alternative sentencing to ensure your child's record stays clean.

We have the experience, the appellate record, and the empathy required to protect California’s youth.

*Chelsea is an attorney at Bledstein & Koppekin, LLP and is not employed by, or a partner at, Taylor Law Firm, APC; if you choose to hire Chelsea for a criminal case, the case will be referred and the fees split in accordance with the California Rules of Professional Conduct. Give us a call to determine if your case should be handled by Taylor Law Firm, APC or referred to Bledstein & Koppekin, LLP.