Are juvenile cases handled differently than adult cases?
Yes. The law is set up to allow some flexibility in dealing with juvenile cases to afford kids educational and diversion opportunities from the juvenile justice system when possible. The Pleasanton Police Department has first offender diversion programs for juveniles arrested for minor crimes where they admit guilt and for minor traffic offenses involving pedestrian or bicycle violations. Diversion programs involve educational opportunities to learn about the law, realize what they did was wrong, and to afford them opportunities at “working off” their violations through community service work, in addition to counseling that may be deemed appropriate.
