As someone who is facing the prospect of your child being charged with a crime, it can be an incredibly difficult and confusing time. The thought of your child being considered an adult in the eyes of the law is a daunting one, with potential serious consequences. Understanding when children can be charged as adults…
Continue reading ›Articles Posted in Juvenile court
Most juvenile probation in California is now capped at 12 months. A law effective January 1, 2026 says a ward cannot stay on probation longer than 12 months from the most recent disposition hearing unless a judge extends it after a noticed hearing. Several categories of wards fall outside the limit, and the starting date moves with every new disposition.
Continue reading ›When both the accused and the alleged victim in a juvenile case are minors, the court must balance two sets of protections at the same time. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, our Orange County juvenile defense attorney has handled cases where teenagers on both sides of the allegation are classmates, teammates, or members…
Continue reading ›California’s juvenile court system is built around confidentiality, and the courtroom is not open to the public the way adult criminal court is. But parents and guardians have specific rights to attend and participate in their child’s hearings. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, our Orange County juvenile defense attorney works closely with parents…
Continue reading ›A juvenile protective order is a court order that restricts a minor’s contact with a specific person, and violating it can result in serious consequences even if the original offense was relatively minor. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, our Orange County juvenile defense attorney has represented teens who violated protective orders, sometimes without…
Continue reading ›Wardship and non-wardship probation are two very different outcomes in California’s juvenile court system, and the distinction between them can shape your child’s future for years. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, our Orange County juvenile defense attorney helps parents understand these two paths so they can advocate for the outcome that best protects…
Continue reading ›Status offenses catch many families off guard because the behavior is treated as unlawful only due to a child’s age. A parent may think the issue is attendance, curfew, or conflict at home, and then a juvenile referral appears with deadlines and consequences. If you are looking for an Orange County juvenile attorney, the Law…
Continue reading ›Teenagers sometimes make poor decisions that lead to serious legal consequences. What begins as a prank call, exaggeration, or impulsive statement can result in juvenile delinquency charges for filing false police reports or misusing 911 systems. Orange County prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, arguing that false reports waste law enforcement resources and create public safety…
Continue reading ›Immigration status can play a major role in how juvenile cases are handled in Orange County. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, your trusted Orange County juvenile defense lawyer, we understand how criminal allegations may impact a young person’s immigration standing. Our defense strategies are carefully designed to protect your child’s freedom, immigration options,…
Continue reading ›When a child faces possible criminal charges, parents are often shocked and unsure how the legal system applies. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, your trusted Orange County juvenile defense lawyer, we help families understand how California determines which young offenders enter the juvenile justice system. Our goal is simple: to do everything possible…
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