When Are Juveniles Charged as Adults in California?

Juveniles charged with committing a legal offense are usually treated differently than adults, with juveniles facing less harsh penalties and punishments for their actions than adults.
However, some crimes, if committed by a juvenile in California, can result in the juvenile being treated as an adult in court.
A juvenile facing legal charges is commonly a distressing and worrisome situation for the youth and their family members.
Working with a trusted lawyer if you or one of your loved ones is a juvenile facing legal charges in California will help ensure you protect your or your loved one’s rights during this stressful and challenging time.
Our team of experienced lawyers at Farris Law Firm can help you and your loved ones navigate the complicated legal aftermath of a juvenile arrest. Contact us today at (818) 861-0861 for your free case evaluation.
Why Should I Hire Farris Law Firm for My Juvenile Case?
A person under 18 police arrest and charge often feels intimidated and confused by the legal proceedings that lie before them. Most juveniles are unaware of what their charges mean and whether the charges are serious enough to result in them being tried as adults.
At Farris Law Firm, we have experience defending our local California community as they attempt to navigate the criminal justice system after being charged with a juvenile offense.
Founded in 2024 by husband and wife Charles and Beatrice Farris, Farris Law Firm utilizes its team’s experience managing thousands of misdemeanor and criminal cases to deliver positive results to its new clients.
Our firm prioritizes our local community in the Valley. We give each client the focus and dedication to their case that we believe they rightfully deserve.
We start each client relationship with a free consultation, during which we learn more about the client’s charges and circumstances before providing our guidance on the best path forward for their case.
Our office is conveniently located in downtown Burbank on North Third Street, just down the street from the Burbank Courthouse.
Contact our trusted team today if you or a loved one is a juvenile being charged with a crime in California. Let us help you build a strong defense for your case.
How Can a Juvenile Be Charged in California?
Four categories of legal offenses apply to juveniles in the state of California.
Informal Probationers
A juvenile who commits a minor offense as a first-time offender is typically charged under the California Welfare and Institutions Code 654 with informal probation, also known as a “654.”
Juveniles charged with this legal offense may be required to participate in a rehabilitation program during their period of supervised probation, which cannot last more than six months.
Status Offenders
The California Welfare and Institutions Code 601 places a juvenile on formal probation, also referred to as “601s,” when a minor between the ages of 12 and 17 repeatedly refuses to obey the directions of their parents, guardians, or custodians.
A minor who habitually truants from school or is found in violation of curfew could also be charged with this offense.
Criminal Offenders
The California Welfare and Institutions Code 602 places minors between the ages of 12 and 17 under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court when they have committed a crime or violated the law.
Juveniles charged under this code, also called “602s,” can be subject to penalties of probation, detainment in a juvenile hall, or incarceration in a youth ranch or camp.
Under this code, juveniles are still treated as minors and charged differently than adults for the applicable crimes.
Juveniles Reprimanded to Superior Court
Under the California Welfare and Institutions Code 707, a minor who commits a serious felony, also known as “707(b)s” or “remands,” can have their case transferred from a juvenile court to a court of criminal jurisdiction, meaning they will be tried as an adult.
Penalties for 707(b) convictions can include sentencing at a youth camp, youth ranch, or state prison.
When Is a Juvenile Charged as an Adult?
In California, a juvenile must be charged with committing a serious felony to be tried as an adult.
The California Welfare and Institutions Code 707 identifies 30 crimes as a felony that could result in a juvenile’s case being sent to a superior court of criminal justice for them to be tried as an adult, including
- Murder and attempted murder
- Arson
- Robbery
- Rape or sodomy with force, violence, or threat of great bodily harm
- Kidnapping for ransom, for purposes of robbery, and with bodily harm
- Assault with a firearm or destructive device
- Torture
- Manufacturing, compounding, or selling one-half ounce or more of a salt or solution of a controlled substance
- Voluntary manslaughter
If you or your loved one are facing a charge of a 707(b) felony, contact our team of trusted attorneys at Farris Law Firm today. Let us help you build a strong defense for your case and ensure you protect your rights through the legal process.
Work With an Experienced Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Being a juvenile charged as an adult for committing a serious felony can be a devastating and terrifying experience that can lead to severe negative repercussions on a person’s life.
Working with an experienced and well-versed criminal defense lawyer will help ensure you build a strong case for your defense while protecting your rights throughout the complicated legal proceedings.
Our team at Farris Law Firm knows how difficult it is for juveniles and their loved ones to navigate the worrying aftermath of being charged as adults. We strive to ease this stressful time by evaluating your case’s facts and helping you build a strong defense against your charges.
Contact our team at Farris Law Firm today at (818) 861-0861 for your free and confidential case evaluation.