Understanding Curfew Violations: When Teens Face Criminal Penalties in Orange County

Understanding Curfew Violations: When Teens Face Criminal Penalties in Orange County

Law Office of Katie Walsh

July 10, 2025

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Each year, hundreds of teens in California are cited for curfew violations, with Orange County law enforcement regularly enforcing these local ordinances. Most parents don’t expect a late-night call from police saying their teen has been stopped, but it happens more often than you think.

At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, we’ve guided many families through curfew-related cases. While some teens are let off with a warning, others face real legal consequences, including juvenile court. An experienced Orange County juvenile defense lawyer can help protect your child’s future.

What Are Teen Curfew Laws in Orange County?

Under local ordinances and California law, minors (typically under 18) are prohibited from being in public places without a parent or guardian during designated nighttime hours. For example, in many Orange County cities, curfew starts at 10:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 PM on weekends, lasting until 5:00 AM.

Exceptions exist, such as when a teen is traveling to or from work, school events, or emergencies but police don’t always take time to verify these before issuing a citation.

What Happens After a Curfew Violation?

If your teen is stopped for breaking curfew, a few different things can happen, such as:

Being brought home by law enforcement
Being held briefly at a juvenile holding center
Receiving a citation that requires a court appearance

Sometimes, a simple curfew violation can lead to additional charges like trespassing, loitering, or resisting an officer. An experienced Orange County juvenile defense attorney understands how quickly these situations can escalate and can help guide your family through the process.

Can a Curfew Violation Lead to Criminal Charges?

While curfew violations are typically infractions, they can lead to more serious consequences:

Juvenile court involvement: Your child may be required to appear in court.
Mandatory community service: Courts often assign service hours.
School discipline: Some schools issue suspensions or other penalties.
A juvenile record if tied to other charges: Additional offenses can lead to a lasting record.

An experienced Orange County juvenile defense lawyer can help protect your teen from these outcomes.

How an Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer Can Help

Getting a citation can be stressful for both you and your child. It’s important to stay calm and take immediate steps:

Review the citation for accuracy
Write down what happened and who was involved
Contact an Orange County juvenile defense attorney before responding

Taking these steps early shows the court that you’re proactive and it gives your attorney a better chance at resolving the issue quickly.

Call a Juvenile Defense Attorney in Orange County Today

Getting a curfew ticket might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can lead to real consequences for your child. The choices you make now can make all the difference. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, we understand what your family is going through, and we’re here to help.

Call us at (714) 351-0178 or reach out online to speak with an experienced Orange County juvenile defense lawyer. Let’s work together to protect your child’s future.

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 after he catches up with his classes. The...

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 expungement was not automatic, she was...

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 would be Ok- and it was. The judge...

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 case will get completely dismissed and...

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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 released from custody with credit for time...

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 back home with us at the detention...

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 very comfortable during this process. As...

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 police were giving us the run-around and not...

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 hearing, she was able to get my record...

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 dismissed! I would recommend Ms. Walsh if...

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 speaking with her. She was always available to...

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 under penal code 786, it means his...

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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 and made feel like I was her most...

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 to get my son Community Service and a...

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 be able to help us. Those words couldn't...

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 dismissed, and I only served 30 days in...

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, she was very accessible and easy to get a...

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 source of information. She prepared me...

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 awareness class, returned in 6 months and...

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 entirely! Ms. Walsh was available to us...

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 listened to us, guided us through the...

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 probation said this would take...

XL, juvenile client

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