What You Need to Know About Juvenile Court and Sentencing
July 9, 2025
At Dan Mellen, Attorney at Law, we work with families across Washington who are facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives—when a child has been accused of a crime.
Juvenile cases require a different approach from adult cases. The Washington juvenile court system has its own procedures, terminology, and sentencing rules, and the outcome can affect a child’s education, future employment, and personal growth.
Understanding how Washington handles juvenile offenses is essential for any parent or guardian trying to protect a child’s future. We represent minors in court every day and build a criminal defense strategy based on both legal principles and the realities of a young person's life.
Let’s take a look at how juvenile courts work in Washington, what sentencing looks like, and how a solid criminal defense can help a young person move forward without lasting consequences.
What Makes Juvenile Court Different?
Juvenile court in Washington operates separately from adult criminal courts. Its primary focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment. While the offenses may be similar—such as theft, assault, or drug possession—the system treats juvenile offenders with the idea that they are still developing and can benefit from second chances.
In Washington, juvenile court has jurisdiction over individuals between the ages of 8 and 17. Children under the age of 8 cannot be charged with a crime. Once a person turns 18, they are no longer eligible for juvenile court and will be charged as an adult unless a crime occurred before their 18th birthday.
The procedures in juvenile court differ in several key ways:
Juvenile hearings are typically closed to the public.
There is no jury; instead, a judge hears the case and makes all rulings.
Detention is not always the default; alternatives include probation, diversion programs, or community service.
Sentencing emphasizes education, mental health support, and family involvement.
We work with families to make sure every aspect of the case is handled with care, from the initial detention to final sentencing, always applying the strongest possible criminal defense under Washington law.
What Crimes Go Through Juvenile Court?
Most criminal offenses committed by minors are handled in juvenile court, including both misdemeanors and felonies. Some of the most common juvenile charges we see include:
Theft or shoplifting
Assault or fighting at school
Possession of drugs or alcohol
Vandalism
Trespassing
Cyberbullying or harassment
Sex-related offenses
Unlawful possession of a firearm
In rare cases, Washington law allows for minors to be charged as adults. This can happen when the offense is especially serious—such as murder—or when the child has a long criminal history. We fight hard to keep cases in juvenile court where rehabilitation is still the priority.
Sentencing in Washington Juvenile Court
In Washington, sentencing for juvenile offenses depends on the seriousness of the charge and the minor’s prior criminal history. The state uses a point-based sentencing grid, assigning points for previous offenses and using that total to determine sentencing ranges.
The judge has several sentencing options:
Diversion: For first-time, low-level offenses, the court may divert the case out of formal proceedings. Diversion often involves community service, counseling, or restitution.
Community supervision: This is similar to probation. The juvenile is released but must meet certain conditions like curfews, school attendance, or drug testing.
Detention: For more serious offenses, the juvenile may be sent to a detention center for a set period of time. Detention is considered a last resort and often combined with other rehabilitative services.
Juvenile rehabilitation (JR): For felony offenses, the juvenile may be placed in a state-run rehabilitation facility. These are more structured environments and can involve education, mental health treatment, and job training.
Restitution: The court may require the juvenile or their family to pay for damages caused by the offense.
Our job is to present a strong criminal defense that either avoids detention entirely or minimizes it while focusing on programs that help the child grow and stay out of trouble long-term.
Key Factors That Affect Juvenile Sentencing
When we’re building a criminal defense for a juvenile, we focus on several elements that can influence how a judge views the case. Here’s a list of the most important factors Washington courts consider when deciding how to sentence a minor:
Age of the juvenile: Younger children are more likely to receive leniency or diversion options, especially if they show a willingness to participate in services.
Severity of the offense: Felonies carry harsher penalties, but even misdemeanors can lead to detention if other factors are present.
Prior criminal history: A child with no prior offenses has a better chance of avoiding formal detention. Multiple past offenses raise concerns about patterns of behavior.
Attitude and cooperation: Judges take into account whether the child shows remorse, cooperates with authorities, and is willing to engage in counseling or programs.
Parental involvement: A supportive home environment can positively influence the court’s sentencing. When parents are engaged, the court is more likely to recommend supervision rather than detention.
Mental health and education: If the child has diagnosed mental health issues or learning disabilities, the court may recommend treatment and special education services instead of traditional sentencing.
Victim impact: The presence of a victim—especially in violent or sexual offenses—can influence the sentence. Restitution or community service may be part of the outcome.
We use these factors to build a case that shows the child as a whole person—not just someone who broke the law. This approach often leads to more constructive outcomes and keeps the child out of the deeper criminal justice system.
Sealing Juvenile Records
One of the major advantages of juvenile court in Washington is that most juvenile records can be sealed after a certain period of time. This means the public, including future employers and colleges, cannot access the records once sealed.
The child must meet specific requirements to qualify for record sealing:
Complete all sentencing requirements
Remain crime-free for a period of time
Pay all restitution
File a motion with the court
We assist clients in filing for record sealing as soon as they’re eligible. A sealed record can make a huge difference in a child’s ability to find work, apply to college, or qualify for housing.
Defending Against Juvenile Charges
At Dan Mellen, Attorney at Law, we know how much is at stake in juvenile cases. A single mistake should not define a child’s entire future. Our criminal defense strategies focus on three priorities:
Protecting the child’s rights: Children have legal rights just like adults, and we make sure those rights are respected at every stage—from police questioning to court hearings.
Fighting unfair charges: Sometimes, kids are in the wrong place at the wrong time, or adults misinterpret their behavior. We investigate each case fully and challenge any weak or unsupported evidence.
Keeping the focus on rehabilitation: We work to shift the conversation from punishment to growth. Courts want to know that a young person is taking steps to improve—and we make sure that effort is front and center.
A child should not be left alone in the legal system. A strong criminal defense helps prevent long-term damage and gives the child the opportunity to recover and succeed.
When Juveniles Are Tried as Adults
In Washington, there are certain situations where a juvenile can be charged in adult court. This usually involves serious crimes like murder, robbery with a firearm, or rape.
In some cases, the law requires that these cases go to adult court; in others, prosecutors may request a “decline hearing” where the judge decides whether to transfer the case.
We fight hard to keep cases in juvenile court whenever possible. Adult charges bring harsher penalties, including prison time, and the chance for rehabilitation is much lower. Keeping a case in juvenile court often makes the difference between a ruined future and a second chance.
Final Thoughts
At Dan Mellen, Attorney at Law, we work closely with families to defend minors accused of crimes and build a criminal defense focused on second chances and long-term growth. We’re proud to serve Vancouver and Longview, Washington. Call today.