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JUVENILE CRIME
In California, minors (17 years of age or younger) are prosecuted
in the California juvenile court system when a juvenile commits a
crime.
The California Juvenile Court is very different from adult criminal
courts because it has a unique set of rules and procedures. The purpose
of juvenile court is NOT to punish but rather rehabilitation, as it
is designed to determine the most appropriate way to hold the juvenile
accountable for his or her crime and to prevent future violations
of the law.
Like adult court, juveniles who commit crimes can and may be charged
with a misdemeanor or felony. Depending on the seriousness of the
crime committed, the minor's prior criminal history, age, etc. a minor
convicted of a crime may face anything from probation (for less serious
offenses) to imprisonment in a state institution like the California
Youth Authority, and even being tried as an adult, in cases involving
a serious felony or violence.
However, unlike adult court, when a minor is booked into juvenile
hall, bail is not issued. Rather on the minor's first court date,
called a detention hearing, a juvenile referee or juvenile judge will
have input from the juvenile probation department, as well as from
the juvenile deputy district attorney and juvenile defense attorney,
on whether or not to detain the minor pending adjucation.
Adjucation is when a juvenile judge sets the case for trial. And unlike
an adult court, your child is not entitled to a jury trial.
Because the California Juvenile Court is very different from adult
criminal court, it is important to contact a criminal defense attorney
immediately because the decisions you make for you or your child can
literally change yours and your child's life.
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communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation, as every case is different. The receipt or
viewing of the information on this website is not intended to
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not responsible for statute changes, applicability or suitability
of the content contained in this site as it pertains to your
legal matter. You should consult an attorney for individual
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