If your child goes to juvenile court in California, there are seven types of hearings he may have to go to.
1. Detention hearing.
This is a hearing to determine whether your child can go home or must stay in jail until his/her next court hearing. This will take place within 3 court days (court day = days the court is open).
2. Pretrial or settlement conference.
This is a hearing that occurs in many counties where is it attempted to solve the case without having to go to trial.
3. Hearings on motions.
These are court dates that are often shorter and less formal than a trial and are oral arguments that are meant to support a motion during a case. Motion hearings can come up at any time during a trial.
4. Fitness or waiver hearing.
This hearing is held to determine whether your child will be tried in court as an adult. this will only happen if your child is over the age of 14.
5. Jurisdiction hearing.
This is when a judge will rule whether your child has committed the crime he/she is being accused of.
6. Disposition hearing.
This is a hearing to decide how your child will be punished for the crime if he/she is found guilty by the judge. This can sometimes occur the same day as a jurisdiction hearing.
7. Review hearing.
This is a hearing that sometimes takes place to see how your child is adjusting in his/her placement.
The juvenile defense attorney in Orange County is ready to assist your family.
