Delinquency

Please Note

This court hears matters where the conduct of a minor would be considered a criminal offense, such as a felony or misdemeanor, if committed by an adult. In the case of serious felonies the judge determines whether or not the minor should be tried as an adult. Consequences may range from counseling, probation, home detention, juvenile hall detention, or placement at the California Department of Juvenile Justice.

About Delinquency

Delinquency proceedings involve minors charged with committing an act which would be a crime if committed by an adult. Juvenile Court jurisdiction over delinquents is described in Welfare and Institutions Code Section 602. If allegations in the petition are found to be true, and if the minor is declared a ward of the court, the minor might remain at home on probation under certain conditions and with removal as a possible sanction for probation violation. Or a ward can be immediately removed from the home and placed in another setting, which can range from a group home to Juvenile Hall or a county camp, or in the more restrictive Department of Corrections Division of Juvenile Justice.

Related Information

General Information

Deferred Entry of Judgment Brochure
Juvenile Justice Center
Juvenile Dependency Process
Juvenile Delinquency Process
Juvenile Court Information for Victims
What’s Happening in Court?
¿Qué Sucede en la Corte?
Kids and the Law
(Courtesy of the California State Bar)
When You Become 18
(Courtesy of the California State Bar)