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How to Prepare for a Juvenile Detention Hearing

Law Office of Katie Walsh

A juvenile detention hearing involves a minor who has been accused of a crime and faces potential “incarceration” in Orange County Juvenile Hall. The outcome of the hearing can have long-term consequences for the minor’s future. Going into this hearing, you’ll want to have a thorough understanding of the applicable laws and legal procedures pertaining to your child’s case. Likewise, you’ll want to gather all necessary evidence and present a well-prepared defense. The Law Office of Katie Walsh is here to help with all of this. Katie is an Orange County juvenile defense lawyer you can trust at your detention hearing.

What Is a Juvenile Detention Hearing?

Juvenile detention hearings are held for minors who have been arrested and placed in police custody. Unlike adult criminal cases, there is no bail for juveniles in California. The purpose of a detention hearing is to determine if a minor should remain in custody until their case is resolved. Factors considered in the decision include whether the minor violated court orders, has a history of escaping custody, is a flight risk, or poses a danger to themselves or others.

At the detention hearing, the judge informs the child of their charges and their constitutional rights, including the right to counsel and the right against self-incrimination. The minor can admit, deny, plead “no contest,” or claim insanity in response to the charges. The probation officer’s report, as well as the testimony of the minor’s parents, can influence the judge’s decision.

The Importance of an Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Competent, dedicated legal counsel is important to make a persuasive case for release during the detention hearing. The Law Office of Katie Walsh has extensive experience in juvenile defense and understands the technical aspects of these hearings. This respected Orange County juvenile defense attorney will work diligently to gather all possible evidence to present a strong defense on behalf of the minor.

The detention hearing also includes the arraignment, where the charges are presented to the child. If a child is quickly released after arrest, there may not be a detention hearing and only an arraignment. During the arraignment, the child has the opportunity to enter a plea.

If the child is released, they may be subject to home supervision or community detention programs. Rehearings can be requested if there are questions about the accuracy of evidence presented.

Timelines and Parental Notification

Juvenile detention hearings must occur within 48-72 hours of the minor’s placement in custody. Parents are notified and can request another detention hearing if they do not receive notice. If the child stays in custody, they will remain in custody at Orange County Juvenile Hall until their next court date, which must occur within 15 days. 

Reach Out to an Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Do you need a juvenile defense lawyer in Orange County? The highly-effective team at the Law Office of Katie Walsh has the insight, experience, and passion to support you and your child throughout the entire process. We will ensure that your child’s rights and interests are protected. To set up a no-cost legal consultation today, contact us

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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