Juvenile Defense in California

Juvenile Defense Attorney in Placer County, California

Tiemann Defense – Protecting Your Child’s Future

 

If your child has been arrested or cited for a crime in Placer County, the stakes are high — but the focus of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation, not punishment. At Tiemann Defense, we guide families through every stage of the juvenile court process and fight to keep a minor’s record clean whenever possible.

📍 Office: 209 Harding Blvd. Suite 7, Roseville, CA 95678
📞 Call: 916.939.3900
🌎 Serving Roseville, Lincoln, Auburn, and Rocklin

How the Juvenile Court System Works in California

Juvenile cases are handled in the Placer County Juvenile Court, which operates very differently from adult criminal court.

Key Differences From Adult Court

• No jury
• Focus on rehabilitation
• Proceedings are private and confidential
• Sentencing is called disposition, not punishment

The goal is to help the minor avoid a permanent criminal record and get back on track.

The Juvenile Court Process

1. Arrest or Citation

A minor may be:

• Taken into custody and released to a parent
• Issued a citation to appear in court
• Held in Juvenile Hall (in more serious cases)

A detention hearing must occur quickly if the minor is held in custody.

2. Detention Hearing

This is the first court appearance if the minor is in custody.

The judge decides:

• Whether the minor goes home
• Whether the minor remains detained
• Release conditions

3. Jurisdiction Hearing (Juvenile Trial)

This is the equivalent of a trial in adult court.

The prosecutor must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

There is:

• No jury
• A judge decides the case

If the allegations are not proven → the case is dismissed.

4. Disposition Hearing (Sentencing)

If the minor is found to have committed the offense, the court decides:

• Whether the minor becomes a ward of the court
• The level of supervision
• Counseling, community service, or custody time

Types of Juvenile Court Hearings

• Detention Hearing – custody status
• Jurisdiction Hearing – trial
• Disposition Hearing – sentencing
• Review Hearings – progress updates
• Restitution Hearings – victim loss determination
• Violation of Probation Hearings

Juvenile Probation: What to Expect

Juvenile probation is designed to provide structure and rehabilitation.

Common Terms of Supervision

• Obey all laws
• School attendance with no unexcused absences
• Curfew
• Counseling or therapy
• Drug/alcohol testing
• Community service
• Search and seizure conditions
• No contact orders

Wardship vs. Non-Wardship Resolutions

Non-Wardship (Informal Probation – WIC 654 / 725(a))

Best possible outcome short of dismissal.

The minor:

• Is not declared a ward of the court
• Avoids formal probation
• Can earn a dismissal

Wardship (WIC 602)

The court:

• Takes jurisdiction over the minor
• Places the minor on formal probation
• Can order out-of-home placement in serious cases

Our goal is always to pursue non-wardship when possible.

Juvenile Diversion Programs in Placer County

Diversion keeps a case out of the formal court system.

Common Juvenile Diversion Terms and Conditions

• Informal probation (pre-file diversion)
• Probation diversion contracts
• Counseling programs
• Drug and alcohol education
• Theft awareness classes
• Community service programs
• Restorative justice programs

Successful completion results in no formal conviction.

Juvenile DUI Charges

Minors can be charged with DUI under California’s strict under-21 laws.

Common Juvenile DUI Allegations

• Driving with a 0.01% BAC or higher
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving with 0.05% BAC (administrative penalties)
• Standard 0.08% DUI

Possible Consequences

• License suspension through the California Department of Motor Vehicles
• Probation
• DUI education programs
• Community service

Early intervention can often keep these cases in diversion.

Possible Outcomes in a Juvenile Case

Depending on the facts and the minor’s history:

✔ Case rejected by the District Attorney
✔ Diversion with no record
✔ Informal probation
✔ Formal probation (wardship)
✔ Deferred entry of judgment (DEJ)
✔ Dismissal after successful completion of terms
✔ Out-of-home placement (serious cases only)

Juvenile Record Sealing in California

A juvenile record can be sealed, which means:

• The case is treated as if it never happened
• It does not appear on background checks
• The minor can legally say they were never arrested

When Can a Record Be Sealed?

Typically:

• After probation is completed
• When the minor turns 18
• Earlier in many successful cases

We routinely help clients seal their juvenile records for a clean future.

Why Early Representation Matters

Early involvement by a defense attorney can:

• Keep the case from being filed
• Secure diversion instead of prosecution
• Prevent detention
• Protect school and extracurricular activities
• Preserve your child’s future opportunities

Why Families Choose Tiemann Defense

✅ Local experience in Placer County juvenile courts
✅ Focus on keeping minors out of custody
✅ Proven diversion and dismissal strategies
✅ Clear communication with parents and minors

Call a Placer County Juvenile Defense Attorney Today

If your child has been arrested or is under investigation, do not wait.

Tiemann Defense
📍 209 Harding Blvd. Suite 7, Roseville, CA 95678
📞 916.939.3900

We proudly defend juveniles in Roseville, Lincoln, Auburn, and Rocklin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will my child go to jail?

Most juveniles are released to their parents. Detention is reserved for serious or repeat cases.

Can a juvenile case be dismissed?

Yes. Many cases are resolved through diversion or informal probation.

Is there a jury in juvenile court?

No. The judge decides the case at a jurisdiction hearing.

Will this affect college or jobs?

Not if the case is properly handled and the record is sealed.

Do I need a lawyer for juvenile court?

Yes. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the better the outcome.

Speak With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Roseville Today

Your child’s future is worth protecting. Call 916.939.3900 for a confident