Deputy District Attorney questions juvenile before a Juvenile Court judge
The Office of the District Attorney of Orange County has the responsibility to enhance public safety and welfare and create a sense of security in the community through the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil law in a just, honest, efficient and ethical manner.
The District Attorney's Office represents the People of the State of California in prosecuting juveniles who have been accused of committing a crime and there is sufficient evidence beyond reasonable doubt to support the accusation.
The District Attorney is responsible under the Welfare and Institutions Code of the State of California for the following:
To provide for the protection and safety of the public
To seek rehabilitation for the minor
To hold the minor accountable for his or her criminal behavior
When the probation officer determines there is sufficient evidence to support a criminal case against a juvenile, he will file an "Application for Petition" with the District Attorney's Office. If the minor is detained in Juvenile Hall, the District Attorney's Office has 24 hours for misdemeanors and 48 hours for felonies (excluding weekends and holidays) from the time of the arrest to file the charges in Juvenile Court. If the minor is released to his or her parents and the charges are filed, the minor is sent a notice to appear in Juvenile Court a few weeks later.
The decision to file the charges in Juvenile Court will be based on careful review of the petition and police report to ensure there is legal sufficiency in prosecuting the case. When prosecuting the case in Juvenile Court, the District Attorney's Office will consider such factors as:
Seriousness of the crime
Juvenile's delinquency history
Family situation, school truancy and drug/alcohol abuse
Even when the evidence is sufficient, the District Attorney has the option to return the case to the probation department for informal supervision. Under informal supervision, minors are required to observe good behavior for a period of approximately six months, and a restriction of activities and community service may be imposed.
The attorneys of the District Attorney's office work with investigative law enforcement personnel and legal clerical support to process approximately 10,000 juvenile petitions for wardship each year.
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