What is so special about Juvenile Law?
Juvenile delinquency proceedings are civil in nature, not criminal. Although juvenile delinquency petitions allege violations of the Penal, Health and Safety, or other California Codes, the proceedings are, with very limited circumstances, civil delinquency proceedings under Section 602 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. In fact, a juvenile arrested, charged, and even found to have committed a crime may have a delinquency petition sustained against him or her, but still not be “convicted” of any felony or misdemeanor under California law. Juvenile delinquency proceedings involve separate detention and courthouse facilities, a unique legal process and specialized law that requires an intimate knowledge to successfully navigate the process. Without the fluid and specialized knowledge of this law, a juvenile could have great difficulty navigating the delinquency process, and may forgo important rights, tactical options, or dispositional outcomes. We, at the Law Office of Wra
