California
California Juvenile Court Process
California uses its own terminology: a petition instead of a charge, a jurisdictional hearing instead of a trial, and a disposition hearing instead of sentencing.
Last updated August 29, 2026.
What actually happens, stage by stage, in a California juvenile case.
California legal overview
A California case typically begins with law enforcement contact and an intake decision, then either informal handling or the filing of a petition by the prosecuting agency. If the child is detained, the court must hold a detention hearing promptly. Contested cases proceed to a jurisdictional hearing, and a sustained petition leads to a disposition hearing.
How this works in California juvenile court
Not every case includes every stage, and counties schedule differently. Stage pages below are published as California-specific timing and procedure are verified against the code and rules.
What parents should do
- 1Attend every hearing, and arrive early enough to speak with counsel.
- 2Ask what the next hearing decides, not just when it is.
- 3Bring school, medical, and counseling records that may matter at disposition.
Frequently asked questions
What is a jurisdictional hearing?
It is the California juvenile court hearing at which the court decides whether the allegations in the petition are proven.
Related topics
Speak with a California juvenile defense lawyer
Tell us what happened, the county, and where the case stands. We will explain the next step clearly and confidentially.