At Mayhew Law, you’ll get an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side that is dedicated to helping juvenile clients fight for justice and protect their rights. Whether your child has been charged with a serious felony or an infraction, our team knows how intimidating the legal systems can be. That’s why we provide professional advice, highly personalized service, and aggressive advocacy to give our clients peace of mind during a difficult time.

If you’re looking for a reputable and experienced advocate who will truly defend your child with passion and compassion, look no further than Mayhew Law. We are here to guide you through one of the most challenging times any family can face while always keeping your child’s best interests at heart.

Looking for more answers on Juvenile Law?
See our frequently asked questions below.

• Any child under the age of 18 years old; or
• A person less than 21 years old and subject to the jurisdiction of juvenile court.

A delinquent act is an act committed by a child that would be a crime if committed by an adult.

• Violates a county or municipal ordinance;
• Violates any rule or regulation having the force of law; or
• Commits an act designated as a “criminal offense”.

• Provides rehabilitation.
• Is civil in nature, not criminal.
• No determinate sentencing.
• Most juvenile records are automatically sealed at the age of 21.
• Focused on child’s welfare and state’s best interests.

Yes, a peace officer or probation/parole officer may arrest if the officer has probable cause to believe that the juvenile has violated any state or local law, ordinance or rule/regulation.

Yes. If a child is taken into custody, the officer shall attempt to notify the parent or guardian of the child. That is the ideal time to start investigating a juvenile defense lawyer.

A child may be detained at a local facility for the detention of children. In Washoe County, the child is housed at Jan Evans Detention Facility at 650 Ferrari McLeod Blvd, Reno, NV 89512.

A detained juvenile has no right to bail.

The basis for detention

• Commit offense dangerous to self or community
• Commit damage to property that is likely to continue
• Run away or be taken away from jurisdiction
• Arrested pursuant to warrant or court order
• Fugitive from another jurisdiction

A hearing occurs within 72 hours not including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Be sure to retain a juvenile defense lawyer that can fight for your child’s rights.

A juvenile petition is the charging document that alleges the purported crimes.

At the entry of plea hearing, the child will either admit or deny the allegation(s). If the child admits to the allegation(s) a disposition hearing will be held to determine the consequences.  If the child denies the allegation(s) the matter will be set for a trial. A trial must be held within 60 days unless the child waives the time requirement.

This is equivalent to an adult sentencing.  The child is adjudicated, not convicted.  At this hearing, each party will issue recommendations on what should happen, and the hearing master will decide.  Some delinquent acts have mandatory terms that must be included in the disposition.

There are some acts which take the discretion out of juvenile court jurisdiction, and it will be transferred directly to adult court. Before this happens, make sure you have a juvenile defense lawyer on your side.

• Juvenile records are confidential and may be inspected only by court order—” records” includes record of arrest
• May be sealed when child is under the age of 21 pursuant to petition by probation and a court order
• Must be sealed automatically when child reached the age of 21 but there are some exceptions to this.

Do you have a loved on facing a Juvenile Charge in the Reno-Sparks area? Get an experienced juvenile defense lawyer that looks out for you.