Denver Juvenile
Defense Attorney

Young people make mistakes. The Colorado juvenile justice system exists, in theory, to rehabilitate rather than punish — but without the right attorney, a juvenile charge can result in incarceration, a record that follows a young person to college applications and job interviews, and in serious cases, prosecution as an adult. William Bacharach defends juveniles charged with crimes in Denver and throughout Colorado, fighting to protect their futures.

How Colorado's Juvenile Justice System Works

Juveniles (persons under 18) charged with offenses in Colorado are generally processed through the juvenile justice system rather than adult court. Cases are heard in juvenile court, sentencing options focus more on rehabilitation, and records are generally more restricted. However, "more restricted" does not mean invisible — juvenile records can still affect school discipline, military service, and certain employment opportunities.

Direct Filing — Adult Court for Juveniles

For serious crimes, Colorado prosecutors have the authority to "direct file" — charge a juvenile directly in adult court as if they were an adult. Direct filing is mandatory for certain offenses (class 1 and 2 felonies) and discretionary for others when the juvenile is 16 or 17. A juvenile tried and convicted as an adult faces adult penalties and an adult criminal record. Fighting direct filing — or seeking a transfer back to juvenile court — is one of the most critical early steps in serious juvenile cases.

Why a Juvenile Defense Attorney Matters

Diversion and Alternatives to Adjudication

Colorado's juvenile system has multiple off-ramps that avoid a formal adjudication entirely — but accessing them requires an advocate who knows the system. William Bacharach works from the moment of charge to identify diversion programs, informal adjustment opportunities, and deferred adjudication agreements that keep the case off a young person's record.

School and Disciplinary Consequences

A juvenile charge — even one that is ultimately dismissed — can trigger school expulsion proceedings, loss of extracurricular eligibility, and impacts on college applications. William Bacharach advises families on how to manage these parallel proceedings alongside the criminal case.

Interrogation Without Parents

Police are not required to notify parents before questioning a juvenile who has been detained, and juveniles often waive their Miranda rights without understanding what they're giving up. Statements made without counsel can be devastating. If your child was questioned without you present, Attorney Bacharach will examine whether those statements are admissible.

Juvenile Record Expungement

Most Colorado juvenile records are eligible for expungement — but the timing, eligibility rules, and process are specific. William Bacharach helps families pursue expungement at the earliest opportunity so that a youthful mistake does not follow a young person into adulthood.

Frequently Asked Questions — Juvenile Criminal Defense in Colorado

What happens when a juvenile is arrested in Colorado?

Juveniles are processed through the juvenile justice system, which emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment. However, for serious offenses, a juvenile can be direct-filed into adult court. The juvenile will be detained or released to parents, and a detention hearing must occur within 48 hours.

Can juvenile records be sealed in Colorado?

Yes. Juvenile records are eligible for sealing in most cases. For adjudicated cases, sealing is available after completion of the sentence and a waiting period. Non-adjudicated cases — dismissals, acquittals — can be sealed immediately. Sealing makes the record invisible to most background checks.

What is direct file in Colorado?

Direct file allows prosecutors to charge a juvenile as an adult for certain serious offenses without judicial approval. If your child has been direct-filed, they face adult penalties including prison time. Challenging a direct file decision requires experienced defense counsel who understands both juvenile and adult systems.

Should I hire a lawyer for a juvenile criminal case?

Yes. Juvenile cases carry serious consequences including detention, probation, sex offender registration, and a record that can affect college admissions and employment. Even in juvenile court, the government must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and an experienced defense attorney protects your child's rights at every stage.