Call Us Today - It's Free! Text Us
Menu
Call
Contact
Text Us

The prime difference between juvenile justice procedure and the adult court system is that there is no jury involved. If you have a trial in juvenile court, you do not have a jury. A judge decides guilt or innocence. The other big difference is everything that takes place in juvenile court is private and confidential, so the files and courtrooms are not open to the public. Anywhere else in the courthouse, you can just walk in and watch a trial if you want. The theory in the United States is that part of democracy is that the people can see what happens to people when they get in trouble with the government, so they can judge if it’s fair. In juvenile court, it’s all private and sealed. Nobody knows its taking place, except for the parents and an Oakland juvenile crimes attorney.

Juvenile Court Process in Oakland

In juvenile court there are two types of petitions that can be filed (rather than a complaint – like in criminal court). A 601 PETITION is filed by probation and makes an allegation that the child was truant from school, ran away, disobeyed their parents or their curfew and it asks that the court deem the child a ward of the court. If an adult committed this conduct it wouldn’t be an issue.

A 602 PETITION is filed by the District Attorney’s Office and alleges that the juvenile committed a crime like a misdemeanor or a felony. The allegations consist of matters where an adult would also be prosecuted if they committed the same conduct. These matters will be heard in “delinquency” court and the child becomes a ward of the state if the judge holds the petition as true.

Juvenile court is also different from an adult court in procedure. If a juvenile is arrested, they are put into a juvenile hall as opposed to a jail. They are not entitled to bail. That’s another right that adults would have, but juveniles don’t have. Then they have what’s called the Detention Hearing, which is kind of the equivalent of a bail hearing in an adult case. Try and get in touch with some renowned Oakland Juvenile Law Lawyers in your area for a Free Initial consultation session.

At the DETENTION HEARING, the judge decides whether or not the juvenile’s going to go back home with their parents while all this is going on, or if they’re going to be waiting it out in juvenile hall. That’s essentially decided by the severity of the charges, whether or not the juvenile has any record, and other considerations. The issue is whether they are considered dangerous to the public. The law says that the judge is supposed to have considered what’s called the Least Restrictive Alternative that is consistent with public safety. You may find that those accused of serious offenses remain detained while the case proceeds but the alternative is that the minor does not wait it out in juvenile hall; rather, they go home with their parents under restrictions.

Thereafter, it becomes more like a traditional criminal case where the evidence is traded from both sides, called Discovery. Make sure you have a Juvenile criminal defense attorney in Oakland, CA, by your side when going through the discovery phase.

Juvenile Hearings in Oakland

In most instances, they are not going to have to face trial in a jurisdiction hearing, because they may end up going through a diversion program. Everything below a certain class of offense is automatically eligible for diversion and almost everything else is eligible through the discretion of the judges and the prosecutors and other parties involved. Generally, very serious cases such as robberies, beatings, and gang crime are the ones that end up in trial at a JURISDICTION HEARING. Finally, if the judge decides at the jurisdiction hearing that the juvenile committed the crime then a sentence will be imposed by the judge.

For more information on Juvenile Offenses In California, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (510) 779-2082 today. Our Oakland, CA Juvenile attorney will be happy to help you out and answer all your questions.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving the Bay Area

The Nieves Law Firm is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense representation to working professionals who have found themselves in trouble with the law. We show up to win, and we’re not afraid to fight aggressively to accomplish our client’s goals.

We understand that being accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. That’s why we take the stress off our clients by handling the full scope of their legal situation from the initial consultation to the final outcome. Our bilingual attorneys and staff are here to ensure that our clients feel heard and understood every step of the way.

As one of the largest criminal defense teams in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our experienced team examines various aspects of your case and, perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients and their future. We take the time to learn about their goals and priorities so that we can achieve an outcome that allows them to move past their mistakes and focus on the future they want. When you work with us, you become part of our team.

Our Team

Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. With a deep understanding of the legal system and a track record of successful cases, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.

Meet Our Team

Our Criminal Defense Attorneys: How to Take Back Control of Your Life, And Your Future.

When facing a criminal charge, having dedicated and experienced attorneys on your side is critical. At The Nieves Law Firm, we understand the gravity of your situation, and our criminal defense attorneys provide unwavering support and legal guidance.

From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and legal interests. Our criminal lawyers are with you every step of the way, from arrest to hearings and beyond, to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you’re facing charges related to DUI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes or any other allegation, we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to fight vigorously on your behalf.

We believe in the power of collaboration and will actively involve you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the best choices for your defense. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal complexities but also to provide you with the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve during this challenging time.

Contact Us
01

Give us a call or contact us online so we can schedule a meeting to discuss your legal needs.

Schedule a Meeting
02

Schedule a meeting with our intake coordinator so we can determine the best plan to solve your legal problems.

Take Back Your Life
03

We work to resolve your legal problems so you can focus on what is most important

RESULTS WE'VE SECURED FOR CLIENTS

156+
Reviews

Why You Can Trust Us with Your Future

Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Our videos

Going to Court?

See All Courts