Juvenile Law

Defending Minors. Protecting Their Future.

At Koohanim Law Juvenile Dependency Attorneys, we provide experienced, compassionate, and legal defense for minors accused of crimes in the juvenile justice system. A juvenile charge can have a lasting impact on a young person's future — from education to employment to immigration status — which is why it's critical to have a skilled defense attorney by their side from the very start.

What Is Juvenile Law?

Juvenile delinquency law deals with minors (under 18) who have been accused of violating the law. These cases are handled in juvenile court, which operates differently from adult criminal court. The focus is often more rehabilitative than punitive, but the consequences can still be severe — including detention, probation, or even being tried as an adult in serious cases.

Underage DUI

Theft & Shoplifting

Gang Involvement

Possession of drugs, alcohol, or weapons

Whether an accusation is unfounded or a misunderstanding, your parental rights must be protected from the start.

What Triggers a Juvenile Court Case?

A juvenile court case typically begins when a minor is accused of breaking the law. Law enforcement, school officials, or other mandated reporters may refer the case to the juvenile justice system. Depending on the circumstances, the child may be arrested, cited, or referred to probation for further review. The goal of the juvenile system is rehabilitation—not punishment—but the process can still be intimidating for both the minor and their family.

Common Triggers for Juvenile Court Involvement Include:

ARRESTS OR CITATIONS FOR CRIMINAL OFFENSES

FIGHTS OR VIOLENCE AT SCHOOL

DRUG OR ALCOHOL POSSESSION

THEFT, SHOPLIFTING, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE

TRUANCY OR CHRONIC ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL

VIOLATION OF PROBATION TERMS

We Defend Minors in a Wide Range of Juvenile Offenses

We represent minors and their families through every stage of the juvenile justice process.

Vandalism and graffiti

Assault and battery

Drug possession or distribution

Theft and burglary

Weapon possession

School-related offenses

Cybercrime

Gang-related allegations

DUI or underage drinking

Sex-related offenses

Probation violations

Why Choose Family First Juvenile Dependency Attorneys?

We keep families united and bring them back together as quickly and safely as possible.

1200+

Cases Successfully Resolved

25+ Years

Combined Legal Experience

98%

Client Satisfaction Rate

Hear what our past clients say

We measure our success by the people and families we help. Here’s what some of our clients had to say about their experience with our team:

We were fostering to adopt when, just days before our wedding, the county tried to take our baby.
We were devastated, confused, and didn’t know where to turn. Koohanim Law Firm was referred to us, and they stepped in right away. They helped us file for de facto parent status and guided us through every step. Their team was caring, responsive, and offered a flexible payment plan. The judge finally listened to our side, and things started to turn around. Now we’re able to raise our daughter in a safe and loving home.
Koohanim Law Firm truly gave our family a second chance at happiness.

Freddy Trujillo.

I faced a heartbreaking situation when false accusations triggered a DCFS investigation into my family.
The experience was shocking, and being questioned felt humiliating and deeply stressful. Explaining everything to my kids and trying to keep them calm was incredibly painful. I knew I needed legal help, and that’s when I found a team that truly understood and supported me. They were confident, knowledgeable, and gave me hope throughout the process. With their help, I regained custody, and our family finally felt whole and safe again.
I’m so grateful for their support and would recommend them to any parent facing a similar battle.

Sarah Huerta.

After my son was born prematurely due to a car accident, doctors later discovered unexplained fractures and falsely accused me of abuse. I felt completely betrayed by the medical system, especially after seeking help multiple times with no answers. Losing my son during his first year shattered me—I felt robbed of my motherhood and emotionally broken. My mom found this law firm when I couldn’t even think straight, and from the first call, we knew we were in the right hands. Matt and his team truly listened, guided me through everything, and fought for justice when no one else did. They gave me back not just my son, but also my peace, strength, and confidence as a mother.
I will forever be grateful and would recommend them 1000% to any parent facing similar pain and injustice.

Victoria Zavala.

When my daughter’s baby was born with medical issues and later found with fractures, DCFS got involved and removed him. I became the foster mom, but when the second baby was born with similar conditions, both children were taken away. Despite caring for the first baby over a year, I was told I was no longer a suitable caregiver and lost both children. Feeling helpless and betrayed, I turned to Matt Kuhanam for legal help navigating both children’s court and criminal court. From the start, Matt was honest, dedicated, and committed to reuniting my daughter with her children. He took swift action, fought hard for us, and truly believed in our innocence and our family.
I highly recommend Matt to any parent or grandparent fighting false accusations—he’s a powerful advocate who truly cares.

Carin Flores.

Our peaceful family life turned upside down after false abuse allegations arose on our son’s sixth birthday. The shock of CPS involvement and seeing our child placed in foster care was heartbreaking and overwhelming. It affected every part of our lives—our sleep, health, and emotional well-being as parents.
I reached out to Koohanim Law after reading great reviews, and from the start, they listened with care and compassion. Their team, especially Erica, made us feel heard and supported even before our case officially began. Through their guidance, my partner and I found strength and unity during the most difficult time of our lives.
I highly recommend them to any father facing false accusations—they will stand by you from start to finish.

Jose Evangelista.

As a new father, my world was shaken when a misunderstanding led to CPS involvement and false accusations. A verbal argument was overheard by my stepson, and things spiraled quickly after he spoke up at school. It was heartbreaking when our parental rights were taken and our baby daughter was placed with a relative. Navigating the system was overwhelming, but our CPS worker and legal team helped guide us through the process. I found Cohen Law Firm online, and they proved to be incredibly knowledgeable and supportive from the start.
They helped me understand the legal system and stood by us every step of the way.
To any father facing false accusations—have a strong support system and a great attorney like Cohen Law.

Aland Sanchez.

Get the Help You Deserve From Dependency and Juvenile Law Attorneys Who Have Over 25 Years of Experience in the Space.

If you are dealing with a DCFS investigation or a dependency law matter, you should contact an experienced attorney immediately. Most cases are time sensitive and any delays may negatively affect your rights.

At Koohanim Law Firm, we will give you a free case evaluation and provide you with a legal plan tailored to your specific situation. Get in touch today!

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