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Juvenile law covers legal matters involving young people and their families. In Greenwood Village, Colorado, juvenile cases follow Colorado state law and are handled in the county juvenile court system. The Colorado Children’s Code - Title 19 of the Colorado Revised Statutes - provides the primary legal framework for dependency, neglect, delinquency, and other juvenile matters. Greenwood Village lies in Arapahoe County, so most juvenile matters for residents are processed through the local juvenile court and related county services. The goal of the juvenile system is generally rehabilitation and protection of the child, rather than punishment alone.
Juvenile matters can affect a young person’s liberty, education, future employment, and family relationships. You may need a lawyer if your child or a young person you are responsible for is involved in any of the following situations:
- Arrest or delinquency charges, including allegations of theft, assault, drug offenses, or property damage.
- Dependency or neglect investigations, where child welfare agencies allege the child is unsafe at home.
- Cases involving child abuse, sexual abuse, or allegations that require immediate protective orders.
- School disciplinary proceedings that could lead to long-term suspension or expulsion.
- Status offenses, such as truancy, curfew violations, or running away, where diversion or services may be available.
- Proceedings that could transfer a juvenile to adult court for serious offenses, or cases involving certification petitions.
- Probation violations, detention hearings, or requests to modify court-ordered placements or services.
- Record sealing or expungement requests to protect a young person’s future opportunities.
A lawyer can explain rights, evaluate alternatives like diversion programs, negotiate with prosecutors or child welfare agencies, represent a child at hearings, and help with sealing records or with appeals.
Key local and state-law aspects to keep in mind in Greenwood Village and Arapahoe County include:
- Jurisdiction and age - Colorado juvenile court generally handles persons under 18, with specific rules about minimum ages for delinquency proceedings and procedures for older juveniles. For some serious crimes, the state can seek to prosecute a juvenile as an adult under statutory transfer rules.
- Types of cases - Juvenile law commonly covers delinquency (criminal-style allegations), dependency and neglect (child welfare matters), status offenses (behavior only applicable to minors), and emancipation or guardianship in some circumstances.
- Intake and diversion - Many cases begin with an intake screening by law enforcement or county intake, which may divert eligible youth to community programs instead of formal court filings.
- Detention and shelter care - When a youth is alleged to be a danger to self or others or a flight risk, temporary detention or shelter placement may be requested by authorities pending hearing.
- Adjudication and disposition - If the court finds allegations proven, the outcome is an adjudication and a disposition hearing where the court decides interventions - probation, community programs, treatment, or placement. The emphasis is usually on rehabilitation and services.
- Records and confidentiality - Juvenile records are typically treated as confidential, but rules vary about sealing or expungement depending on the offense, completion of terms, and statutory periods.
- Child welfare procedures - Dependency and neglect cases involve county departments of human services, investigations, family plans, and possible removal proceedings. Parents and guardians have statutory rights to notice and hearings.
- School interactions - Schools have their own disciplinary processes that can intersect with juvenile court matters. School punishment can affect education even if juvenile court does not impose a sentence.
- Legal representation - Juveniles have the right to counsel in delinquency and dependency matters. If a family cannot afford an attorney, a public defender or court-appointed counsel may represent the youth.
Juvenile jurisdiction generally covers individuals under 18 years of age. Specific rules apply to minimum ages for delinquency proceedings and for certain transfers to adult court. An attorney can explain how age affects a particular case.
Stay calm. Ask where they are being held and request to speak with an attorney. Do not let your child give detailed statements to police without first speaking with a lawyer. Attend all hearings, bring identification and any relevant records, and contact the public defender or a private attorney immediately.
Yes. In delinquency and dependency cases juveniles have the right to legal representation. If the family cannot afford a lawyer, the court can appoint one or provide a public defender. It is important to secure counsel early in the process.
Diversion is an alternative to formal court prosecution that focuses on rehabilitation, counseling, restitution, or educational programs. Eligibility depends on the offense, prior record, and prosecutor or intake decision. Successful completion typically avoids a formal adjudication on the juvenile record.
Colorado law allows sealing of juvenile records under certain conditions, often after completion of court-ordered requirements and waiting periods. Eligibility depends on the type of offense and the juvenile’s subsequent behavior. An attorney can advise on timelines and filing procedures.
For certain serious offenses, prosecutors can seek to transfer a juvenile to adult court under statutory procedures, or state law may mandate adult prosecution for particular crimes and ages. This is a complex area where immediate legal representation is crucial.
Dependency and neglect cases arise when a county child welfare agency alleges that a child is unsafe at home. Proceedings involve emergency hearings, investigation, safety planning, and a series of court hearings to determine custody, services, and permanency plans. Parents and children have rights to counsel and to present evidence.
Timing varies widely by case complexity, whether the matter is diverted, and court scheduling. Minor cases or diversion can conclude in weeks to months. Dependency or serious delinquency proceedings may take many months, especially if appeals or multiple hearings are necessary.
Yes, school disciplinary decisions can sometimes be challenged through administrative appeals or in court, particularly where expulsions affect constitutional or statutory rights. If a school action overlaps with a juvenile criminal or dependency case, coordinate legal strategies with counsel.
Ask about the lawyer’s experience with juvenile law and local juvenile courts, likely outcomes, diversion or plea options, fees and costs, communication preferences, and the timeline for your case. Also ask what documents to bring and immediate steps you should take.
Arapahoe County Juvenile Court and Arapahoe County Department of Human Services - local offices that handle juvenile intake, child welfare matters, and court referrals.
Colorado Judicial Branch - information about statewide juvenile court procedures and local court contacts.
Division of Youth Services - the state agency responsible for juvenile corrections and programs for youth adjudicated on certain offenses.
Office of the Child’s Representative - provides legal advocacy for children in some dependency and neglect cases.
Colorado State Public Defender or Arapahoe County Public Defender - for court-appointed defense representation when families cannot afford private counsel.
Colorado Bar Association - lawyer referral services and resources to find private attorneys who specialize in juvenile law.
Colorado Legal Services and local legal aid organizations - may provide civil legal help related to education, housing, or family law issues that intersect with juvenile cases.
Local community providers and treatment programs - counseling, substance-abuse programs, and family services that are often relevant in diversion and disposition plans.
If you need help with a juvenile matter in Greenwood Village, take these practical steps:
- Act quickly. Time-sensitive hearings and detention decisions can arise within days.
- Gather documents. Bring school records, medical and mental-health records, previous court orders, police reports, and any correspondence with authorities.
- Seek counsel. Contact a lawyer experienced in juvenile law or ask the court for a public defender if you cannot afford one.
- Preserve privacy. Advise the youth not to discuss the case on social media or with unrelated parties until you have legal advice.
- Participate in services. If diversion or treatment is offered, engage promptly - participation often helps in negotiations and in court.
- Prepare for hearings. Attend every scheduled hearing and meet deadlines for paperwork - missing a hearing can lead to adverse outcomes.
- Ask about sealing records. If the case is resolved favorably or through diversion, discuss options for sealing records to protect the youth’s future.
If you are unsure where to start, contact the Arapahoe County court clerk or a local attorney referral service to find qualified counsel experienced with juvenile matters in your area.
