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Juvenile law covers legal matters involving people who are under the age of 18. In Tacoma, Washington, juvenile cases include delinquency matters - when a young person is accused of committing a crime - and dependency matters - when a child is alleged to be abused, neglected, or without adequate care. The state has a separate court process for juveniles that focuses more on rehabilitation and safety than on punishment. Local courts and agencies in Pierce County follow Washington state statutes and court rules, while also using local procedures and services for assessment, treatment, and supervision.
Juvenile cases can affect a young person for years to come. You may need a lawyer if you are a parent, guardian, or juvenile involved in any of the following situations:
- An arrest or charge for a crime or delinquent act, including misdemeanors and felonies.
- A detention hearing or placement in a juvenile detention facility.
- A dependency case where Child Protective Services seeks removal of a child, supervision orders, or termination of parental rights.
- Truancy, status offenses, or school discipline matters that could lead to court involvement.
- Possible transfer of a juvenile case to adult court.
- Questions about sealing or expunging a juvenile record, or how a juvenile case affects future education, employment, or immigration status.
- Negotiating diversion, probation, treatment plans, or services such as counseling and drug treatment.
In these situations a lawyer protects legal rights, explains options, advises about short-term and long-term consequences, and advocates for the best possible outcome.
Key legal frameworks and local institutions that shape juvenile law in Tacoma include:
- Washington State statutes - Most juvenile legal standards are in Title 13 of the Revised Code of Washington - for example, RCW 13.34 addresses child dependency and RCW 13.40 governs juvenile offenders and delinquency procedures.
- Pierce County Superior Court - Juvenile Division - This is the main court that handles juvenile delinquency and dependency cases in Tacoma and surrounding areas. Hearings, detention reviews, dispositional orders, and review hearings are conducted here or through assigned juvenile court judges.
- Department of Children, Youth, and Families - DCYF - The state agency that investigates reports of abuse and neglect and provides services in dependency cases. Local offices work with the court, law enforcement, and service providers.
- Law enforcement and school referral practices - Police, juvenile intake units, and school officials may refer young people to juvenile court. Tacoma policies on school discipline, search and seizure, and referral to juvenile authorities will affect how cases start.
- Detention and diversion - Washington law favors community-based interventions and diversion programs when appropriate. For some serious offenses, state law allows transfer to adult court for older juveniles. Local programs in Pierce County include community supervision, restorative justice options, and treatment-based placements.
- Mandatory reporting - Washington law requires certain professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect, which can trigger dependency investigations and court action.
Delinquency cases involve allegations that a juvenile committed a criminal act. The court focuses on public safety and rehabilitation of the young person. Dependency cases involve allegations that a child is abused, neglected, or without proper care. The court focuses on the childs safety, placement, and services for the family. The parties, goals, and procedures differ in each type of case.
Washington juvenile court generally has jurisdiction over persons under 18. However, state law has provisions for charging certain 16- and 17-year-olds as adults for serious crimes under specific circumstances. The rules for transfer to adult court depend on the offense and the juveniles age.
Yes. In delinquency cases, juveniles have a constitutional right to counsel. If the family cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint one. In dependency cases, parents have the right to counsel, and depending on the situation children can also be appointed an attorney or guardian ad litem to represent their interests.
After arrest, juvenile intake or probation staff review the case to decide whether to refer it to court, offer diversion, or take no further action. If detained, the juvenile will have a detention hearing within a short time to determine whether continued detention is necessary. If the matter proceeds, formal charges or petitions are filed and court hearings follow.
Washington law allows sealing of many juvenile records, but the rules vary by case type and disposition. Successful completion of certain diversion programs or probationary terms may allow sealing. Some very serious offenses may be retained in records. A lawyer can advise on eligibility and help file petitions to seal records when appropriate.
Outcomes may include diversion programs, informal supervision, probation, community service, restitution, mandatory treatment, school-related sanctions, or placement in a residential program. For serious offenses, transfer to adult court or commitment to juvenile rehabilitation programs can occur. The goal is often rehabilitation combined with accountability.
Dependency cases typically follow a series of hearings - initial shelter care or removal hearing, an adjudicatory hearing to determine whether the child is dependent, and dispositional hearings to set placement and services. The court will schedule periodic review hearings to check progress and decide whether reunification, continued placement, or termination of parental rights is appropriate.
Many juvenile adjudications do not carry the same public consequences as adult convictions, and sealing can limit future impact. However, some offenses can affect college admissions, scholarships, and certain job or licensing applications. Military enlistment standards may be affected by certain offenses. Early legal assistance can help minimize long-term consequences.
Parents and guardians play an important role. In delinquency cases parents may be involved in hearings, required to attend classes or treatment, and may be responsible for supervision or restitution. In dependency cases parents participate in services, case plans, and court hearings. A lawyer can explain parental rights and responsibilities and help negotiate case plans with DCYF or the court.
If a case involves serious charges and the juvenile is in the older age range, it is critical to consult an experienced juvenile defense lawyer immediately. Defense counsel can challenge transfer motions, present mitigation evidence, and work to keep the case in juvenile court where rehabilitative options and different sentencing rules may apply.
Below are local and state resources that can be helpful when dealing with juvenile law matters in Tacoma:
- Pierce County Superior Court - Juvenile Division - handles juvenile delinquency and dependency matters in Tacoma and Pierce County.
- Department of Children, Youth, and Families - DCYF - state agency responsible for child welfare investigations and services.
- Washington State Revised Code - Title 13 - contains statutory law relating to juvenile courts and juvenile offenders.
- Office of Public Defense or local public defender offices - provide appointed counsel to eligible parents and juveniles in delinquency and dependency cases.
- Northwest Justice Project and local legal aid clinics - can assist with civil legal issues that intersect with juvenile matters.
- Pierce County Juvenile Court programs and community providers - offer diversion, substance use treatment, mental health services, and family support programs.
- Washington State Bar Association - lawyer referral services and resources to find qualified juvenile law attorneys.
- Local family support and advocacy organizations - nonprofits that help families navigate dependency systems, reunification services, and foster care supports.
If you or your family face a juvenile law issue in Tacoma, consider the following steps:
- Act quickly - juvenile cases move fast. Important rights and options are determined early in the process.
- Consult an attorney experienced in juvenile law - a lawyer can explain rights, likely outcomes, and defense or reunification strategies. If you cannot afford a lawyer, request a court-appointed attorney at the first hearing.
- Gather information and documents - school records, medical or mental health records, service provider reports, and any police reports can help your lawyer assess the situation.
- Participate in recommended services - engaging in counseling, substance treatment, parenting classes, or school support can improve case outcomes and demonstrate cooperation to the court.
- Keep records of communications - document contacts with DCYF, probation, schools, and service providers, and keep copies of court orders and case plans.
- Ask questions and get clear expectations - make sure you understand court dates, conditions of release or supervision, and what is required to seek sealing of records or reunification.
Finally, remember that this guide is informational and not a substitute for legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a qualified juvenile law attorney in Pierce County or request an appointed lawyer at your first court appearance.
