Trujillo Law

Juvenile Appeals

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EXPERT REPRESENTATION IN JUVENILE APPEALS

Fighting for Justice Beyond the Trial Court

When a juvenile court decision doesn’t serve your child’s best interests, you need an experienced appellate attorney who understands the intricacies of juvenile law. Michelle Trujillo brings over 30 years of juvenile law experience to appellate cases, including arguments before the California Supreme Court. Her deep knowledge of juvenile delinquency and dependency law, combined with her appellate expertise, makes her the ideal advocate for your child’s rights in higher courts.

Comprehensive Case Review

Thorough analysis of trial court records to identify potential grounds for appeal.

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Appellate Brief Writing

Crafting compelling legal arguments tailored to appellate courts’ standards.

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Oral Argument Presentation

Skilled advocacy before appellate judges, including the California Supreme Court.

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Writ Petitions

Preparing and filing emergency writs when immediate appellate intervention is necessary.

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Don’t let an unfavorable juvenile court decision be the final word. Contact Michelle Trujillo today for expert representation in your juvenile appeal in Kern County.

OVERTURNING UNFAVORABLE DECISIONS

Navigating the Complex Appellate System

The juvenile appeals process differs significantly from trial court proceedings. Michelle Trujillo guides families through each stage:

• Case Evaluation: Determining the strength of potential appellate issues.
• Notice of Appeal: Timely filing to preserve your right to appeal.
• Record Preparation: Ensuring all relevant documents and transcripts are included.
• Brief Writing: Presenting compelling legal arguments to the appellate court.
• Oral Argument: Advocating your position before appellate judges.
• Post-Decision Options: Exploring further appeals or return to trial court if successful.

Throughout this process, Michelle leverages her extensive experience to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

THE FOREMOST LOCAL EXPERT

Why Choose Michelle Trujillo for Juvenile Appeals?

Appealing a juvenile court decision requires a unique set of skills and experience. Michelle Trujillo’s background in juvenile law, combined with her appellate court expertise, makes her an exceptional choice for your juvenile appeal. Her ability to navigate both the technical aspects of appellate law and the specific nuances of juvenile cases sets her apart as a premier juvenile appeals attorney in Kern County. Here’s why Michelle Trujillo is the right choice for your juvenile appeal:

  • 30+ years of exclusive juvenile law experience
  • Successful arguments before the California Supreme Court
  • Deep understanding of both juvenile delinquency and dependency law
  • Skilled brief writer and oral advocate
  • Personal insight as a former foster parent and current adoptive parent

Michelle Trujillo’s unparalleled expertise in juvenile law and appellate practice makes her an invaluable asset in your fight for justice. Her commitment to thorough preparation, compelling argumentation, and clear communication ensures that your appeal receives the highest quality representation. With Michelle Trujillo as your appellate attorney, you can face the challenges of the appellate process with confidence, knowing you have a dedicated and experienced professional advocating for your child’s rights and future.

Frequently Asked Questions: Juvenile Appeals

What is a juvenile appeal?

A juvenile appeal is a legal process where a higher court reviews a decision made by a juvenile court in either a delinquency or dependency case. The purpose is to correct legal errors that may have occurred during the original proceedings.

How long do I have to file an appeal in a juvenile case?

The timeframe for filing a juvenile appeal is typically very short. In most cases, you have only 60 days from the date of the judgment or order to file a notice of appeal. It’s crucial to contact Michelle Trujillo as soon as possible if you’re considering an appeal.

What types of juvenile cases can be appealed?

Both juvenile delinquency (criminal) and dependency (CPS) cases can be appealed. This includes decisions about jurisdiction, disposition, placement, termination of parental rights, and many other issues.

How is a juvenile appeal different from a trial?

An appeal is not a new trial. The appellate court generally doesn’t hear new evidence or testimony. Instead, it reviews the record of the original proceedings to determine if legal errors were made that affected the outcome.

What are common grounds for a juvenile appeal?

Common grounds include legal errors by the judge, insufficient evidence to support the decision, violations of constitutional rights, and ineffective assistance of counsel. Michelle Trujillo can assess your case to identify potential grounds for appeal.

How long does the appeals process take?

The juvenile appeals process can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s caseload. Michelle will work efficiently to move your appeal forward as quickly as possible.

What happens if we win the appeal?

If you win the appeal, the case is typically sent back to the juvenile court for further proceedings. This might mean a new trial, a new dispositional hearing, or other actions depending on the nature of the appellate decision.

Can new evidence be presented in an appeal?

Generally, no. Appeals are typically limited to the evidence that was presented in the original trial. However, in rare cases, if new evidence is discovered that couldn’t have been known at the time of the trial, it might be possible to introduce it through a specific legal process.

How does Michelle's experience with the California Supreme Court benefit my case?

Michelle’s experience arguing before the California Supreme Court demonstrates her high level of appellate expertise. This experience informs her strategy in all appeals, allowing her to craft arguments that are more likely to resonate with appellate judges.

What is a writ petition, and how is it different from an appeal?

A writ petition is an emergency request for the appellate court to intervene immediately, rather than waiting for the normal appeals process. It’s used when waiting for a regular appeal could cause irreparable harm. Michelle has experience with both appeals and writ petitions.

Do I need a different attorney for an appeal than I had for the original case?

While it’s not required, having an attorney with specific appellate experience can be beneficial. Michelle Trujillo’s expertise in both juvenile law and appellate practice makes her particularly well-suited for juvenile appeals.

How much does a juvenile appeal cost?

The cost of an appeal can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of work required. During your consultation, Michelle will provide a clear explanation of the potential costs involved and discuss payment options.

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