Juvenile Defense Experts For Northern California.

Protecting your child's future. Available 24/7.

Talk To An Attorney Now

GET THE BEST DEFENSE FOR YOUR CHILD

Juvenile Court

The superior court’s juvenile court division has jurisdiction over cases involving criminal law violations committed while a person was under age 18 (Welfare & Institutions Code 603).  Juvenile court is where juvenile delinquency proceedings take place within the superior court.  Juvenile court is considered a civil rather than criminal proceeding even though violation of criminal laws by minors is being adjudicated.

Dui Arrest Northern California

COMPARING ADULT AND JUVENILE COURTS

A minor in juvenile court receives many of the same Constitutional protections that an adult would receive in adult court.  In juvenile court, there is no “conviction” in the proceedings like in adult court (Welfare & Institutions code 203).  Minors “admit” or “deny” offenses instead of pleading “guilty” or “not guilty” like a person would do in adult court.        

VENUE

The venue for juvenile court is where the minor resides, is found, or commits, the acts alleged against them.

DETENTION HEARING

A minor is arraigned at the first hearing.  If the minor is in custody, the hearing is called a detention hearing.  If the case is not resolved at the first or subsequent hearings, a jurisdiction hearing is set.  

JURISDICTION HEARING

A jurisdiction hearing is when a trial is held in juvenile court.  If the court decides that the minor committed the crime, it sustains the petition and sentences the minor immediately or sets the case for a disposition hearing.

DISPOSITION HEARING

A disposition hearing is where sentencing occurs in juvenile court.  Although it depends on the seriousness of the offense, in most cases sentencing in juvenile court is less severe than in adult court.  In most cases, the juvenile court can only maintain jurisdiction over a minor until they turn 21.  There are some exceptions that allow the juvenile court to maintain jurisdiction over a minor past the age of 21.      

SEALING OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

The benefit of having a case disposed of in juvenile court is that the minor can petition the court for sealing of their juvenile criminal record.

More Resources

Juvenile Resources

SACRAMENTO COUNTY JUVENILE RESOURCESLEARN MORE

Juvenile Arrest Record Sealing

A minor arrested for a misdemeanor may have the arrest record and records sealed under certain circumstances.LEARN MORE

Juvenile Record Sealing

A minor can seal their juvenile records by filing a petition to seal their records (Welfare & Institutions Code 781).LEARN MORE

Parental Liability

Parents or guardians may be required to pay specified costs if they have an ability to pay.LEARN MORE

Under 18 DUI

If you have been arrested for DUI, you have two problems – A DMV problem and a criminal court problem.LEARN MORE

Juvenile Infraction

 Most infractions against minors for traffic offenses and violations of local ordinances are usually handled through the infraction court.LEARN MORE

Get A Free Consultation

Speak directly to a local attorney who will confidentially answer all of your questions over the phone at no charge.  Call anytime we are available 24/7, 365 days a year