What to Expect in Juvenile Court

Law Office of Katie Walsh

With the guidance of an experienced Orange County juvenile defense lawyer, you can navigate juvenile court effectively. In this blog post, we will guide you through the key aspects of the juvenile court process, offer valuable insights, and provide actionable advice to help you make informed decisions.

The Juvenile Court Process

Let’s delve into the different stages of the juvenile court process:

Arrest and Detention

When a minor is arrested, they are taken into custody and held in a juvenile detention center. The length of detention varies depending on the seriousness of the offense and the individual circumstances. During this time, your child has the right to a lawyer. 

Intake and Petition

After an arrest, the case is referred to the probation department for evaluation. The probation officer will determine whether the case should be handled informally or formally. In some instances, the minor may be diverted from the formal court process, with conditions such as community service or counseling. If the case proceeds, a petition will be filed, which outlines the charges against the minor.

Detention Hearing

If a minor is held in detention, a detention hearing will be scheduled within 48 hours. During this hearing, the judge will review the circumstances and evidence to determine whether continued detention is necessary or if the minor can be released to their parents or guardians. Your Orange County juvenile defense lawyer can advocate for your child’s release or request alternative options to detention.

Adjudication and Disposition

The adjudication is the equivalent of a trial in juvenile court. It is an opportunity for the prosecution and defense to present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments. The judge will then determine whether the minor committed the alleged offense. If the minor is found responsible, the court will move to the disposition phase, where the appropriate consequences and rehabilitation measures will be decided.

Rehabilitation and Probation

The juvenile court system emphasizes rehabilitation rather than punishment. Instead of incarceration, the court may impose probation and order the juvenile to comply with specific conditions, such as attending counseling, performing community service, or participating in educational programs. The goal is to address the underlying issues that contributed to the minor’s delinquent behavior and provide necessary tools to lead a productive, law-abiding life.

Appeals

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your case, it may be possible to appeal the decision. Your Orange County juvenile defense lawyer will advise you on the appellate process, determine whether you have grounds for an appeal, and advocate for you throughout the proceedings.

Orange County Juvenile Defense Attorney: Law Office of Katie Walsh

The Law Office of Katie Walsh provides criminal defense specifically focused on juveniles. Facing juvenile court proceedings in Orange County is a daunting experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. As a skilled Orange County juvenile defense lawyer, Katie Walsh has a deep understanding of the juvenile justice system and is committed to safeguarding the rights and interests of children. To speak to Katie today, contact our office for a free case review.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable...

RG

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal...

RS

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though...

XL, juvenile client

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