Juvenile delinquency proceedings in California operate under the Welfare & Institutions Code (WIC) with a stated focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Specialized defense strategies prevent adult court transfers.
1. Key Juvenile Delinquency Milestones
👶 Juvenile Court Procedure Overview
- Detention Hearing: Held within 48–72 hours of arrest to determine if minor remains detained at juvenile hall.
- Fitness / Transfer Hearing (WIC § 707): Mandatory hearing if prosecution seeks to try a minor aged 16+ as an adult in criminal court.
- Informal Probation (WIC § 654): Diverts the minor into community service and counseling; case dismissed without formal petition.