California's juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, recognizing adolescence as a time for growth and change. This approach aims to help minors develop into responsible adults through education and support, distinguishing it from the adult criminal system.
Understanding the juvenile justice process can help parents navigate the system when a child is arrested. From arrest to outcomes, this guide ensures minors receive fair treatment and the rehabilitative support they need for a better future.

What is Juvenile Justice?

Juvenile justice involves minors under 18 accused of crimes or illegal behaviors specific to their age even including cases such as federal identity theft charges. The system focuses on rehabilitation, education, and support, believing that adolescents, due to their developmental stage, have a greater capacity for change than adults.
Unlike adult criminal trials, juvenile court emphasizes treatment, counseling, and education over punishment. During this critical developmental period, the goal is to help minors correct their mistakes, avoid future criminal behavior, and become responsible adults.

The Juvenile Arrest Process

A juvenile case begins with an arrest if a law enforcement officer suspects a minor has committed a crime. In some cases, the officer may issue a citation, requiring the minor and their parents to appear in court later.
For serious offenses, minors may be taken to juvenile hall, where they remain until the initial court hearing. Unlike adults, teens who committed crime cannot post bail. A judge will decide if the minor should be released to their parents or remain in detention. Detained minors are typically held for three to five days before the first court hearing, where the next steps are determined.

Types of Juvenile Petitions

Once a minor is arrested, a petition is filed with the court, outlining the charges and requesting the court's intervention. In California, there are two main types of petitions:

602 Petition
A 602 petition is filed for minors who are accused of engaging in behavior that is only considered illegal due to their age, such as running away from home, skipping school, or violating curfew. These types of offenses, known as status offenses, are treated differently from criminal offenses. If the petition is valid, the minor is considered a "status offender" and may be supervised by the court.

601 Petition
A 601 petition is filed for minors who are accused of engaging in behavior that is only considered illegal due to their age, such as running away from home, skipping school, or violating curfew. These types of offenses, known as status offenses, are treated differently from criminal offenses. If the petition is found to be true, the minor is considered a “status offender” and may be placed under the court's supervision.

The Detention Hearing

The first court hearing in a juvenile case is called the detention hearing. During this hearing, the judge will settle whether the minor should remain in juvenile hall or be released to their parents. If the minor is not detained, they will typically be released to their parents' custody with conditions such as wearing an ankle monitor, following a strict curfew, or remaining under home supervision.
Unlike adult criminal cases, there is no option for bail in juvenile court. Instead, the judge will consider the seriousness of the offense, the minor's criminal history, and whether the minor is likely to return to court for future hearings. The goal of the detention hearing is to ensure that the minor is appropriately supervised during the pretrial period while also considering their best interests.

The Fitness Hearing

The fitness hearing is a crucial step in the process for minors accused of committing more serious crimes. This hearing is held when the District Attorney believes the case should be transferred to adult criminal court. Teens can be tried as adults if they are accused of committing grave crimes, such as murder, armed robbery, or certain sexual offenses such as federal charges for rape or sexual assault.
The fitness hearing determines whether or not the minor should stay in juvenile court or be transferred to adult court. The judge will review various factors, involving the severity of the offense, the minor's criminal history, and their age. If the judge determines that the minor is unsuitable for juvenile rehabilitation and the crime is particularly heinous, the case may be transferred to adult court.

The Jurisdictional Hearing (Trial)

If the case stays in juvenile court, the next step is the jurisdictional hearing, or trial, where the District Attorney presents evidence. There is no jury; a judge decides the outcome, and the prosecution must prove the charges "beyond a reasonable doubt."
If the judge finds the minor guilty, a disposition hearing is scheduled to determine the consequences. If the prosecution fails to prove the case, the charges will be dismissed, and the minor will be released.

The Disposition Hearing

The disposition hearing is similar to sentencing in adult court, where the judge determines appropriate consequences after the minor is found guilty. The focus is rehabilitation rather than punishment, aiming to help the minor learn from their mistakes.
The judge reviews the probation officer's report, which includes statements from the minor, their family, and any victims. The judge also considers the minor's background, behavior, and the nature of the offense when deciding on the disposition.
The possible outcomes of a disposition hearing include:

• Probation: The minor may be on probation, subject to certain conditions. These conditions may consist of attending school, staying within a curfew, attending counseling, performing community service, or complying with substance abuse treatment.
• Placement in a Juvenile Facility: For more serious offenses, the minor may be placed in a juvenile detention facility, such as a juvenile hall, group home, or treatment center.
• Commitment to the Division of Juvenile Justice: In severe offenses, the judge may commit the minor to a state-run juvenile facility, where they can remain until adulthood.

In some cases, the court may also place the minor on informal supervision for a set period of time, with the opportunity for the case to be dismissed once the minor successfully complies with the supervision terms.

Sealing Juvenile Records

A significant benefit of the juvenile justice system is that juvenile records are typically sealed once the minor turns 18 or completes their sentence. In most cases, a minor's criminal record will not be available to the public, employers, or educational institutions. Sealing a juvenile record is an essential part of giving minors a second chance and helping them rebuild their lives without the stigma of a criminal conviction.

How Juvenile Justice Focuses on Rehabilitation

The California juvenile justice system is committed to rehabilitation. Unlike adult criminal courts, which focus on punishing the guilty, juvenile courts focus on helping youth overcome the factors that led to their involvement in criminal behavior. California law requires that juveniles in the system receive rehabilitative programming tailored to their individual needs, such as counseling, educational programs, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training.
This approach is based on the understanding that adolescence is a time of change, and many juveniles can rehabilitate with the proper support. The goal is to reduce recidivism and help youth grow into law-abiding, productive adults.

What You Need to Know

If your child is facing juvenile charges in California, seeking legal assistance as soon as possible is essential. A competent juvenile defense attorney can help you understand the process, protect your child's rights, and advocate for the best possible outcome. The juvenile justice system can be complicated, and an experienced lawyer can guide you through each step, ensuring that your child receives the rehabilitation and support they need.
Whether navigating the legal system for the first time or facing serious charges, a criminal defense law firm in California can help you make informed decisions. Bulldog Law, with its experienced team, is dedicated to helping families through the juvenile justice process, protecting the rights of minors, and ensuring that they receive the treatment and support they need to turn their lives around.