Best Juvenile Law Lawyers in California

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English
Griffin Law Office, APC - San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney is a distinguished legal firm recognized for its unwavering commitment to criminal defense in Southern California. With a keen focus on representing individuals facing criminal charges, the firm combines in-depth knowledge of criminal...
China Legal Group

China Legal Group

30 minutes Free Consultation
Laguna Beach, United States

Founded in 2023
15 people in their team
Chinese
English
Spanish
Portuguese
Japanese
Korean
hina Legal Group 北京国桓律师事务所 - Legal Excellence Sponsoring Success -Chinese Financial and Capital Lawyer specializing in PE, VC, Capital Markets, Global IPO and Offering, M&A, Investments, Intellectual Property, etc;Worked on many high-profile deals such as Baidu.com, 58.com,...
Sodhi Law Group, APC
Modesto, United States

Founded in 1999
English
Sodhi Law Group, APC, located in Modesto, California, specializes in personal injury, civil litigation, criminal defense, and business law. Established in 1999, the firm is led by attorneys Jakrun Sodhi and Ameet Birring, who collectively offer over 20 years of legal experience. Their practice...
Paul Hastings
Century City, United States

Founded in 1951
5,000 people in their team
English
With widely recognized elite teams in finance, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, restructuring and special situations, litigation, employment and real estate, Paul Hastings is a premier law firm providing superior intellectual capital and execution globally to the world’s leading...
The Law Offices Of Edgar Lombera
Redlands, United States

English
The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera provides comprehensive legal representation across multiple practice areas throughout California, with a strong focus on personal injury, bankruptcy, criminal defense, and immigration matters. Led by attorney Edgar Lombera, the firm brings years of experience and...
Law Offices of William V. Pernik
Salinas, United States

Founded in 2015
English
The Law Offices of William V. Pernik, established in 2015, is a distinguished criminal defense firm serving clients across Monterey, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and San Mateo counties. With offices in Salinas, Monterey, and San Jose, the firm offers comprehensive legal representation in a...
The Law Offices Of Glew & Kim
Santa Ana, United States

Founded in 2009
English
The Law Offices of Glew & Kim, based in Santa Ana, California, is a distinguished law firm specializing in criminal defense. With over 30 years of combined legal experience, attorneys Christopher Glew and Jina Kim are dedicated to providing vigorous representation for clients facing a wide range of...

English
The Law Office of Bradley R. Corbett, Criminal Defense Attorney, is a California-based firm known for providing skilled representation across a broad spectrum of legal matters. With a strong focus on criminal defense, personal injury cases, and insurance claims, the firm leverages extensive trial...
Extradition Law Firm
Los Angeles, United States

Founded in 2014
17 people in their team
Russian
English
Ukrainian
Belarusian
Extradition Law Firm is a boutique law firm specializing in the areas of extradition defense, criminal defense, human rights and migration law in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and internationally. Our English-speaking criminal attorneys also represent our clients in countries abroad, including...
Law Office of Rebecka A. Monez
Modesto, United States

English
The Law Office of Rebecka A. Monez, located in Modesto, California, specializes in criminal defense, offering comprehensive legal services to clients facing a range of charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The firm is led by Rebecka A. Monez, a licensed attorney in all California and...
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About Juvenile Law in California, United States

Juvenile Law in California addresses the legal procedures and rights related to individuals under the age of 18 who are involved in the legal system. This includes cases where minors are accused of committing crimes (juvenile delinquency), as well as situations involving child protection and dependency, such as abuse or neglect. The California juvenile justice system operates separately from the adult criminal system, with a strong focus on rehabilitation, education, and support rather than punishment. The objective is to guide youth toward better choices while protecting public safety and the welfare of young individuals.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People may require legal assistance in Juvenile Law for several reasons. If your child is accused of a crime, competent legal representation can help navigate the juvenile court process, protect the child’s rights, and seek alternatives to detention. Legal help is also necessary if there are child welfare or dependency issues, such as when Child Protective Services becomes involved. Parents or guardians facing allegations of abuse or neglect, or whose children are at risk of being removed from their care, often need an attorney to represent their interests and advocate for family reunification. Additionally, lawyers can assist with sealing juvenile records and handling cases involving truancy or other status offenses.

Local Laws Overview

In California, the Welfare and Institutions Code governs most juvenile proceedings. Juvenile courts have jurisdiction over cases involving minors accused of violating the law (delinquency), and those facing abuse, neglect, or abandonment (dependency). The minimum age for juvenile delinquency proceedings is 12, with exceptions for very serious offenses. California law emphasizes rehabilitation, and options such as diversion programs, counseling, and probation are often considered before any placement in juvenile detention. The process is confidential to protect the minor’s privacy. Additionally, California allows for some minors aged 16 or older to be tried as adults for severe crimes, but only under specific circumstances and after a transfer hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between juvenile court and adult court?

Juvenile court specializes in handling cases involving minors, with an emphasis on rehabilitation instead of punishment. The process is more informal and confidential, and the consequences often focus on treatment, education, or community service.

At what age can a minor be charged in juvenile court in California?

In most cases, a child must be at least 12 years old to be charged in juvenile delinquency court, except in the case of very serious offenses, such as murder or rape, where no minimum age applies.

What are the possible outcomes of a juvenile delinquency case?

Potential outcomes include dismissal of charges, informal probation, formal probation, counseling, community service, placement in a group home, detention in a juvenile facility, or, in rare cases, transfer to adult court.

Can a juvenile be tried as an adult in California?

Yes, but only for serious crimes and after a formal transfer hearing where the judge considers factors such as the juvenile’s age, criminal history, and the severity of the offense.

Are juvenile court records public?

Juvenile court records are generally confidential in California. Only certain parties, such as the juvenile, parents, and authorized agencies, can access them. Some records may be sealed under specific circumstances.

How can a juvenile record be sealed?

Minors may petition the court to seal their juvenile records after a certain period has passed, provided they have not committed further crimes and have completed the terms of the court’s order.

What is a dependency case?

A dependency case is initiated when a child is believed to be abused, neglected, or abandoned. The court assesses the child’s safety and can order services, foster care, or, in some cases, removal from home.

Do minors have the right to an attorney in juvenile court?

Yes. Minors facing delinquency or dependency proceedings are entitled to legal representation. If the family cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one.

What is diversion in the juvenile justice system?

Diversion is a process that allows eligible minors to avoid formal court proceedings by completing educational or counseling programs, after which charges may be dismissed.

Can parents or guardians also need legal representation in juvenile law matters?

Yes. In dependency cases, parents or guardians accused of abuse or neglect often need a lawyer to protect their rights and work toward family reunification.

Additional Resources

California residents can seek information and help from several organizations and agencies specializing in Juvenile Law. Key resources include local county Public Defender’s Offices, the California Courts’ Self-Help Center, the Office of the Ombudsperson for the California Department of Juvenile Justice, and legal aid organizations such as California Youth Connection. The California Department of Social Services and Child Protective Services can provide guidance for parents involved in dependency matters. Nonprofit groups, such as the Youth Law Center and National Center for Youth Law, offer advocacy and informational resources.

Next Steps

If you or your child are involved in a juvenile law matter, the first step is to consult a qualified attorney who specializes in juvenile cases. You can contact your local public defender’s office if you cannot afford private counsel, or reach out to a legal aid organization for advice. Gather all relevant documents, such as court papers, police reports, and school records, before meeting with your attorney. If Child Protective Services or law enforcement contact you regarding your child, do not make statements or sign documents without legal counsel. The juvenile law process can move quickly, so it is essential to act promptly to protect your child’s and family’s rights. Seek support from advocacy organizations or counselors to navigate emotional and practical challenges during this time.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in California through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Juvenile Law, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in California, United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.