Juvenile Division

Are you a minor interested in knowing more about your rights and the law? CLICK HERE for information handbook.

A minor is defined as an individual who is under the age of 18. When a minor commits a criminal violation, their case is handled in juvenile court. The proceedings are not generally open to the public and information regarding the proceedings are generally considered confidential. Juvenile trials are called “jurisdictional hearings,” hearing decisions called “adjudications,” and hearings in front of a Judge or Commissioner without a jury.

The District Attorney’s Juvenile Division handles a variety of responsibilities. They represent children who are hurt or neglected by their parents or caretakers. (Welfare and Institutions Code section 300.) When reports of abuse and neglect are made or come from mandated reporters such as therapists, school officials or other care providers, an investigation is initiated. When a petition for protection is filed, the District Attorney is appointed to represent the child.

The Juvenile Division is also responsible for reviewing and prosecuting referrals for juvenile delinquent activity. They screen cases for informal probation, referral to teen court, diversion to Juvenile Drug Court or certification to adult court. Once filed they handle all adjudication and fitness hearings.

The Division’s attorneys work closely with felony trial attorneys in reviewing and applying the provisions of recently enacted voter initiative, Proposition 21, which allows serious, violent offenders to be prosecuted in adult court.

The Juvenile attorneys are also responsible for referring and monitoring juveniles placed in Juvenile Drug Court, filing petitions on chronic truants, and coordinating with probation and Teen Court representatives.

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