Q: Can I get information about my case over the phone or by mail?
A: Information about a juvenile case is confidential and cannot be released by telephone. Information by mail can be released upon proof of identification through a notarized signature or proper photo ID such as a driver’s license.
Q: How can I clear up an old ticket?
A: Call (213) 744-4155 and follow the instructions.
Q: Who will hear my case when I go to court?
A: Your case will be heard by a Superior Court Referee sitting as a Juvenile Hearing Officer.
Q: What is a superior court referee?
A: A superior court referee is a lawyer who is appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court to hear such cases as may be assigned to him or her. While hearing such cases the referee has the same powers as a juvenile court judge (Section 248 of the Welfare and Institutions code.)
Q: Why do referees sit as juvenile hearing officers?
A: Referees can hear contested hearings (trials) only when given written consent by all parties. Juvenile Hearing Officers can hear and dispose of all violations listed in section 256 of the Welfare and Institutions Code without stipulation.
Q: How do I get an extension?
A: Extensions are not granted by telephone. An appearance must be made at the court to which you are cited and the request must be made in person.
Q: What if I demand that the case be heard by a superior court judge?
A: There is no right to have the case heard by a superior court judge. Juvenile Hearing Officers are given the power to hear and dispose of the cases cited into Informal Juvenile and Traffic Court.
Q: Can I appear in court before my court date?
A: Generally no. This is because the citations are processed at a central location for the entire county and are sent to the fourteen branch courts only about two or three days before the court date.
Q: Does my parent have to accompany me to court?
A: Yes. No case will be heard unless the parent or legal guardian is present in court with the minor.
Q: What is a legal guardian?
A: A legal guardian is a person who has been formally appointed by the court to take the place of your parents. A relative who is appointed by your parents to look after you is not a legal guardian unless also appointed by the court.
Q: What happens if I fail to appear on my court date?
A: If you are charged with a vehicle code infraction and have no prior failures to appear the case will be adjudicated in your absence in accordance with section 40903 of the vehicle code. A fine will be imposed and your license will be suspended by DMV until you appear in court and pay the fine.
If you are charged with a misdemeanor or non-vehicle code violation a failure to appear will be sent to DMV resulting in loss of your driver=s license or the right to a driver=s license. In addition a warrant for your arrest may be issued.
Q: Can I have a jury trial?
A: Juveniles are not allowed jury trials.
Q: Will I receive a notice in the mail after I receive a ticket?
A: No.
Q: Why do I have to appear in court for fix-it tickets?
A: Juveniles have special provisional licenses for which the parent has signed as guarantor. Minors must appear with a parent so that the parent is aware of the circumstances surrounding the citation.
Q: How do I get my record sealed?
A: Call (323) 226-2854 and follow the instructions.
Q: DMV refuses to issue me a license because I failed to appear in court or failed to pay a fine. How can I clear this?
A: Call (213) 744-4155 and follow the instructions.
Q: If I am already 18 or older do I need to bring a parent?
A: No.
Q: Is there a night court for juveniles?
A: No.
