Facing a juvenile charge in Greeley, Colorado, feels overwhelming, especially for families with no prior experience in the legal system. At McAdams Law Office, we know how frightening this moment can be, and we want you to understand what lies ahead.
The juvenile court process moves through several distinct stages, and having an experienced juvenile defense attorney involved from the very beginning makes a significant difference in how your child’s case unfolds. The earlier an attorney steps in, the more options remain open to protect your child’s future.
Colorado treats juvenile offenders differently from adults by law. The process moves from arrest or referral, through intake, adjudication, and disposition. Under C.R.S. § 19-2.5-101, the juvenile justice system aims to protect public safety while keeping the best interests of the juvenile, the victim, and the community in focus.
When officers take a juvenile into temporary custody, they must notify a parent or legal guardian without unnecessary delay. Temporary custody does not automatically create a formal arrest record, but statements a juvenile makes during this window can shape whether formal charges follow.
¨We’re not just a business in Weld County; we’re a part of the community. Living and working here, we’re dedicated to supporting the people of Greeley. Our office is right by the courthouse, deep in the heart of the local legal scene. With over 140 jury trials in 20 years, our experienced attorneys understand that everyone deserves respect and a strong defense, no matter the situation¨
Colorado courts must hold a detention hearing within 48 hours of placement, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, as outlined in C.R.S. § 19-2.5-305. Every juvenile held for an alleged offense has the right to legal representation at this hearing. If your child has not retained private counsel, the court appoints a public defender, someone who often meets your child for the first time at the hearing, with little time to review the facts.
A private juvenile defense attorney engages before the hearing, reviews the screening report, and walks into the courtroom prepared. The judge then determines whether probable cause exists and decides whether your child returns home or remains held. If the judge orders further detention, the district attorney has 72 hours to file a formal petition, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
The juvenile court process reaches a focal point at the adjudication hearing. No jury hears a juvenile case in Colorado. Instead, a judge reviews the evidence and determines whether the prosecution proved the alleged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. A finding of delinquency moves the case to a disposition hearing, the juvenile equivalent of sentencing. Outcomes vary widely. Some juveniles receive probation or community service. Others enter diversion programs that, when completed successfully, leave no formal finding of guilt on their record.
In serious cases, a judge may order placement in a treatment facility or commitment to a state youth facility. Colorado also allows direct filing, which moves certain serious offenses straight into adult district court, bypassing the juvenile system entirely. Each of these outcomes carries different consequences, and the difference between them often comes down to how well the defense prepares. An experienced juvenile defense attorney challenges weak evidence at adjudication and advocates at disposition for the path least likely to follow your child into adulthood.
A charge in juvenile court carries real consequences that can follow a young person into adulthood, affecting education, employment, and future opportunities. Understanding the juvenile court process is the first step, but navigating it successfully requires experienced legal representation.
McAdams Law Office represents juveniles throughout Greeley and Weld County, and our team brings the knowledge and courtroom experience in the pursuit of the best possible outcome at every stage. Call our juvenile defense attorneys today at (970) 353-0000 to schedule a consultation.
| DUI/DWAI Victories | Criminal Defense Wins |
|---|---|
People v. S.M.Two DUIs downgraded to DWAI, |
People v. M.J.Assault and child abuse charges |
People v. S.D.DUI dismissed, pled to |
People v. S.C.Theft charge dropped, |
People v. B.S.Breath test challenged, |
People v. A.E.Drug charges dismissed, |
People v. E.B.No jail, favorable plea despite |
People v. J.K.Burglary plea reduced, |
People v. R.G.One DWAI dismissed, another reduced with minimal work release. |
People v. C.R.Traffic offense reduced, |
William T. McAdams, known as Bill, is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Since establishing McAdams Law Office in 2006, he has represented clients in cases including DUI, domestic violence, and theft, handling over 100 jury trials. Bill serves clients predominantly in Weld and Larimer counties, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins. An active community volunteer and member of multiple legal associations, he is dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, William McAdams who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.