Juvenile Unit

Juvenile Crime in Sonoma County

The Office of the District Attorney is responsible for presenting evidence in Juvenile Court of the delinquent activity of minors within Sonoma County. This includes screening cases for informal supervision, diversion, and certification to adult court and traditional prosecution.

A minor is defined as an individual who is under the age of 18. All minors under 18 years old are subject to the original jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. The Juvenile Court may have jurisdiction past the age of 18 if the Court declares the minor a ward.

The case of a minor who commits a criminal violation is handled in juvenile court, unless the criminal offenses are serious enough to be filed directly as an adult or the juvenile court determines they should be handled as adults. The proceedings are not generally open to the public and information regarding the proceedings is generally considered confidential. Juvenile trials are called "jurisdictional hearings," and verdicts are called "adjudications." They take place in front of a judge or commissioner without a jury.

In a juvenile court hearing, the prosecuting attorney appears on behalf of the People of the State of California. The District Attorney''s Office is also responsible for monitoring petitions on chronic truants. Unlike adult criminal court proceedings, the goal of juvenile delinquency law is to rehabilitate the minor, not necessarily punish or incarcerate. The minor is represented by an attorney. The primary duty of the prosecutor is to seek justice in light of the special interests and needs of the juvenile as well as the safety and welfare of the community.

The purpose of the Juvenile Court is to provide for the protection and safety of the public and each minor under its jurisdiction, and to preserve and strengthen the minor's family ties whenever possible. Removing the minor from the custody of his or her parents is done only when necessary for his or her welfare or for the safety and the protection of the public.

FAQ'S

Where is Juvenile Court/Juvenile Hall/Juvenile Probation located?

Are juvenile proceedings / records open to the public just like adult court?

Can a juvenile be prosecuted as an adult?

Can parents be liable to pay for the damage caused by the criminal conduct of the minor?

Is it possible to get Juvenile Court case "taken off" a person's records? If so, how?

For More Information Contact:

Juvenile Division:
Juvenile Justice Center
7425 Rancho Los Guilicos Rd, Dept D
Santa Rosa, California 95409
Telephone: (707) 565-6250
FAX: (707) 565-6399