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Juvenile Crimes Defense
Juvenile court isn't criminal court — but the consequences can follow your child for life. From dismissal to commitment to the Division of Juvenile Justice, outcomes vary dramatically based on representation.
The juvenile court process in Orange County
- Detention hearing: Within 48 hours if held in custody. Decision on continued detention.
- Pretrial: Discovery, motions, plea negotiations.
- Jurisdictional hearing: Equivalent to a trial. Judge decides if allegations are true.
- Disposition hearing: Equivalent to sentencing. Judge decides how to handle the minor.
Possible dispositions
- Informal supervision (no formal adjudication)
- Probation (home or with relatives)
- Camp (county-run rehabilitation facility)
- Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) commitment — most serious
- Restitution and community service
- Drug/alcohol treatment, counseling
Adult court transfer
Under WIC 707, the prosecution can move to transfer cases involving:
- Murder
- Forcible sex offenses
- Other "707(b) offenses" (robbery with weapon, kidnapping, certain other serious offenses)
For minors 16+. Five-factor test guides the decision: criminal sophistication, rehabilitation potential, prior record, response to prior dispositions, and gravity of the offense. Transfer hearings are critical.
Record sealing (WIC 781)
Most juvenile records can be sealed at age 18 if probation has been completed and no adult convictions. Sealing means employers, landlords, and most government agencies cannot see the record.
Exceptions: some serious offenses (murder, certain sex crimes) cannot be sealed.
Why representation matters
Juvenile court is informal but the consequences are not. Decisions made at detention can affect months in custody. Plea decisions can foreclose military careers, college admissions, professional licenses, and (in transfer cases) lifetime adult records. With 30+ years of OC juvenile court experience, our office knows the judges and the negotiation strategies that work.
Has your child been arrested? Contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is juvenile court different from adult criminal court?
Juvenile court is a civil proceeding focused on rehabilitation, not punishment. Cases are heard by a judge (no juries). The legal standard is the same (beyond reasonable doubt). Outcomes range from informal supervision to commitment to the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Parents are involved throughout.
Can a juvenile be tried as an adult in California?
Yes, in limited circumstances. Welfare & Institutions Code 707 allows transfer of certain serious offenses (murder, attempted murder, certain sex offenses) for juveniles 16+. SB 1391 (2018) prohibited adult court transfer for 14- and 15-year-olds. Transfer hearings are critical and require experienced defense.
Will my child have a permanent criminal record?
Generally no — juvenile records can be sealed at age 18 (or 5 years after termination of jurisdiction, whichever is later) under WIC 781. Some serious offenses (murder, certain sex offenses) cannot be sealed. Sealing means the records are treated as if they never existed for most purposes.
Can a juvenile adjudication be a strike for future Three Strikes purposes?
Yes, in limited circumstances. Juvenile adjudications can count as strikes if (1) the offense was a serious or violent felony, (2) the minor was 16 or older, AND (3) the offense is on the WIC 707(b) list. This is one of the most contested areas of strike law.
Need Experienced Criminal Defense?
30+ years of Orange County criminal defense. 5,000+ cases. 250+ jury trials. Bilingual.