What types of juvenile cases can be handled in court?

In California, juvenile cases are typically handled by a special branch of the court system dedicated to hearing cases related to minors. These cases can vary from minor violations to serious criminal offenses. Generally, juvenile cases include matters such as delinquency (committing a crime as a minor), dependency (when a minor is neglected or abused by their caretaker) or status offenses (such as truancy or running away from home). In California, courts handle juvenile delinquency cases when a minor has been accused of committing a crime. This can include both violent and non-violent offenses such as theft, assault, and drug or alcohol possession. The juvenile court may also handle dependency cases, which involve allegations of abuse or neglect against the minor’s caretaker. In these cases, the court may order the caretaker to attend parenting classes, provide counseling services, or transfer custody to a more suitable caretaker. Finally, in some cases related to status offenses, the juvenile court may hear a case. Status offenses involve behavior that would not be a crime if committed by an adult, such as skipping school, running away from home, or curfew violations. When dealing with these cases, the court may order the minor to participate in counseling, treatment, or community service. Thus, juvenile courts in California can handle a wide range of cases related to minors. Depending on the specific circumstances, juveniles may face delinquency charges, dependency cases, or status offenses such as truancy. In each of these cases, the court has the power to order a variety of punishments or corrective measures that are designed to protect the minor and provide them with the resources they need to stay out of trouble in the future.

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