"Frank Rorie is one of the most well-respected criminal defense lawyers in the Los Angeles area because he is diligent, always well-prepared and dedicated to helping his clients." - William Ayers, Esq.
"The clients who I've referred to Frank have all been satisfied with their results."- Michael Botello, Esq.
"I've known Frank to be a very hardworking and conscientious family law attorney."- Alexander Macksoud, Esq.
If you or a loved one is in need of an attorney, contact the Law Offices of Frank D. Rorie for a free consultation and ask to speak with an attorney immediately.
The Law Offices of Frank D. Rorie
The Iowa Courthouse
18411 Crenshaw Blvd.
Suite 360
Torrance, California 90504
Phone (310) 316-6893
Family Law :: Juvenile Delinquency and Status Offenses
There are basically three kinds of juvenile cases that can be heard in juvenile court: (1) Juvenile Delinquency; (2) Juvenile Status Offenses; and (3) Juvenile Dependency matters.
A juvenile delinquency case involves crimes which a juvenile commits that would be treated as a crime if the crimes were committed by an adult. A Juvenile court can rule that your child be placed in a group home, probation camp, or a California Youth Authority or that your child live with the parent under court supervision.
A juvenile status offense is a case which involves a child crimes which juveniles commit which are specific to juveniles. These crimes typically are handled by a Probation Officer. If your child has been arrested you will receive a “Notice to Appear” in the mail. You will either have to appear in the Probation Department or if your child committed a more serious offense, Juvenile Court. Upon hearing with the Probation Department, the probation officer may lecture your child and the send him or her home, or order that your child perform a voluntary program such as community service in lieu of going to court, or send the case to the district attorney to evaluate whether to file a petition. A petition is filed usually within two days after your child’s arrest. If you receive a copy of a petition, contact a lawyer immediately.
The Petition will likely be accompanied by a notice which will inform you of the type of juvenile hearing: (1) a detention hearing; (2) a pretrial or settlement conference; (3) a hearing on a motion; (4) a fitness or waiver hearing; (5) a jurisdiction hearing; (6) a disposition hearing; and (7) a review hearing. The two most important hearings are the jurisdiction and disposition hearing, because that is when the judicial officer will decide if your child committed the crime and how to punish him or her.
The California Courts Self-Help Center provides a general description (here) of the types of hearings and what normally occurs at these hearings.
If your child has committed a serious crime, contact a lawyer immediately. He or she may be tried as an adult under certain circumstances. Your may also be concerned about sealing the court record, and whether a felony counts towards California’s Three Strikes law. These are complex matters. Contact a lawyer at the Law Offices of Frank D. Rorie immediately at (310) 316-6893.
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