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Juvenile Court vs. Criminal Court | Juvenile Court Process

Law Office of Katie Walsh
Juvenile Court vs. Criminal Court | Juvenile Court Process

While juvenile and adult court cases share some similarities, they also differ in notable ways. If you and your child are navigating the juvenile justice system, it is in your best interest to understand what to expect and how the process works so you can avoid surprises along the way. Here are the top three differences between juvenile and criminal court.

1. There Is No Jury

One difference between juvenile and criminal court you will notice immediately is that juvenile court cases are not a matter of public record, and there is no jury. Instead, the judge is the sole arbiter of justice. While minors are still innocent until proven guilty, attorneys must convince a judge beyond a reasonable doubt, instead of an entire jury.

2. The Goal Is Reformation, Not Punishment

While there can be serious consequences for committing a criminal offense as an adult, California’s juvenile court system emphasizes reformation and alternative sentencing in consideration of the child’s best interests. Instead of punishing offenders with prison time, a judge will typically guide minors to probationary programs designed to help rehabilitate them. For example, an adolescent offender might have to pay a fine, complete a stint in community service or spend time in a juvenile correction facility, where they will have access to mental and behavioral counseling.

3. You Can Get a Juvenile Record Sealed

Another key difference with juvenile offenses is that once the child turns 18, you can obtain a judicial order to have their record sealed. The most significant advantage of sealing a juvenile record is that doing so will give them a chance to make a fresh start as an adult. From that point on, it will be as if the offense never happened, and your child can confidently apply for jobs, get a driver’s license, rent an apartment or get accepted into school without anyone knowing about their past.

Your Family’s Experienced Juvenile Defense Attorney

Though the juvenile court system is less punitive than criminal court, committing a crime as a minor can still have long-lasting ramifications. You’ll want an experienced attorney by your side to defend you and your family and ensure a young adult does not have to bear the consequences of a brush with the juvenile justice system for the rest of their life.

If your child is facing an uncertain future, contact the Law Offices of Katie Walsh for your complimentary consultation. As a former district attorney and prosecutor, Katie Walsh has handled thousands of juvenile cases and is also an expert in school disciplinary cases. She understands how California’s juvenile justice system works and that it focuses on helping your child lead a better lifestyle. She will work to assist your family and help you understand what to expect from the process of defending a case involving a minor.

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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