Any person who was under the age of 18 at the time he or she committed the alleged offense may come under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. Welfare and Institutions Code Section 256 specifies the offenses that may be heard in the Juvenile Traffic and Minor Offense Court, which include:
Because the law prohibits forfeiture of bail in lieu of an appearance by a minor, the Juvenile Court requires a personal appearance by the minor. Normally at least one parent is required to attend the hearing. The Juvenile Court is accustomed to reinforcing the parent-child relationship. Parental presence ensures that parents are aware of the incident, understand the reasons for the disposition made in the case, and can cooperate in the imposition of appropriate sanctions.
For additional information, please visit Kids and the Law Informational Resource at:
Link to Kids and the Law: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rfp/2013/2013_AttachA_Kids_Law_PCC.pdf