Bakersfield · Kern County
Bakersfield Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer
If your child has been arrested, questioned, or is facing a juvenile petition, the choices you make right now can shape the rest of their life.
California juvenile court does not work like the adult system most parents know. There are no jury trials, bail is not guaranteed, and police can question your child without you present. Christopher Martens has handled thousands of criminal cases since 2005 and represents accused minors and their parents in Bakersfield and Kern County.
Public defenders are not assigned until after a petition is filed. Early private representation can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all.
Memberships & Affiliations
Understanding Juvenile Court In California
When a young person runs into trouble with the law in California — whether guilty or not — the standard adult justice system is not the one used. Juvenile court has its own structure, hearings, and rules, and parents are responsible for making sure their child is properly protected. A criminal record, even from juvenile court, can follow a child into college applications, careers, and future cases.
Juvenile Matters Martens Law Firm Can Defend
- Misdemeanor petitions
- Felony petitions
- Theft and shoplifting
- Drug possession
- Assault and fighting
- Vandalism
- Weapons charges
- Sex offenses
- DUI as a minor
- Truancy violations
- School-related incidents
- Probation violations
- Detention hearings
- Petitions to seal juvenile records
How A Juvenile Defense Lawyer Protects Your Child
Having an advocate in your corner can make a real difference, especially early. A private attorney can sometimes contact the District Attorney or probation officer to address concerns before a petition is even filed, push for dismissal or reduction, and argue for your child's release.
Pre-filing intervention
Challenge unlawful questioning
Argue for release at detention
Investigate the facts independently
Negotiate reduction or dismissal
Protect school and college future
Limit Three Strikes exposure
Pursue record sealing
What A Juvenile Case Can Affect
| Issue | Martens Law Defense Priority |
|---|---|
| Custody / placement | Argue for release and alternatives |
| Probation | Negotiate reasonable terms |
| School | Coordinate with school process |
| College and scholarships | Protect future opportunities |
| Career and licensing | Pursue sealing where eligible |
| Three Strikes exposure | Limit serious adjudications |
| Immigration | Coordinate with immigration counsel |
| Family stability | Clear communication and planning |
What Clients Say About Martens Law Firm
Verified reviews from Avvo. Read more on our testimonials page.
The Attorney You Need
"I hired Mr. Martens to represent me in Kings County. The criminal charges against me had me looking at being sentenced to life. He took my case to trial and we walked away with 3 not guilty verdicts. During my case, I had acquired 4 different lawyers and not a single one of them wanted to take my case."
Thankful For Martens
"Thanks to the law office of Christopher Martens, they spoke on my and my family's behalf, and showed the judge the person I am now and not to judge me by my past. I picked up an assault charge that would have given me my third strike, but with their help we got a much better outcome."
Very Informative And Professional
"I hired Mr. Martens for a case I thought was going to completely derail my life, but Mr. Martens and his staff helped me every step of the way. They handled everything with the utmost professionalism and were readily available to answer my questions."
Martens Is An Excellent Attorney
"I hired Christopher Martens to handle my son's case! Best choice was going with him and his amazing team to help us through the tough times. We got the results we wanted and needed. I really recommend him if you or a loved one is in need of a criminal attorney — he knows what he's doing and fights for you."
Best Decision
"Hiring Martens Law Firm was the best decision. I had searched for a lawyer I was truly happy with, and his staff was very supportive and helpful. The end results were beyond exceeded. Thank you for giving me this second chance."
An Outstanding Lawyer
"Mr. Christopher R. Martens did a fantastic job in my case with an awesome outcome in the end. What was best — he took care of everything. I did not even have to be in front of the judge once. I totally appreciated his knowledge and professionalism."
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee the outcome of any future case.
Juvenile Case Timeline
- Step 1
Investigation / arrest
- Step 2
Detention hearing
- Step 3
Petition filed
- Step 4
Pretrial / discovery
- Step 5
Negotiation or motions
- Step 6
Adjudication hearing
- Step 7
Disposition
- Step 8
Record sealing (when eligible)
Juvenile Defense In Bakersfield And Kern County
Martens Law Firm represents minors and their families in juvenile proceedings throughout Kern County. Each county and courthouse has its own procedures, probation practices, and District Attorney tendencies — local experience matters when your child's future is at stake.
- Bakersfield
- Delano
- Lamont
- Mojave
- Ridgecrest
- Shafter
- Taft
- Wasco
Bakersfield Office: 1712 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
A Defense Built Around Your Child's Future
Christopher Martens treats juvenile cases with the seriousness they deserve. A charge is not an indication of guilt, and outcomes are not always fair without strong advocacy. Early action — before statements are taken, before a petition is filed, before a disposition is set — is often the most powerful step a parent can take.
- ✓ 20+ years of criminal defense experience
- ✓ 100+ jury trials
- ✓ Thousands of cases handled since 2005
- ✓ Misdemeanor and felony defense
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes. In California, police are allowed to question a minor without a parent present and without parental knowledge or consent. That is one of the most important reasons to involve a juvenile defense lawyer immediately.
Don't Let Your Child Face Juvenile Court Alone
Call Martens Law Firm now to discuss your child's situation, what police can and cannot do, and the next step in the case.