FAQ module icon

Frequently Asked Questions

When would my child go to the Division of Adult Operations instead of the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)?
Your child can be sentenced to adult prison (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Adult Operations) if he or she is tried as an adult (see questions 19 and 20). If your child will be tried as an adult, is extremely important to talk to your child’s attorney about all the very serious consequences of your child’s situation.
  • Between the ages of 14 and 16, your child must stay at DJJ even if he or she is sentenced to adult prison.
  • If your child is at least 16, he or she may serve the entire term at DJJ only if the term will end before he or she reaches age 21. If your child’s term will last past age 21, then your child could be at DJJ until age 18, and then would automatically be transferred to the Division of Adult Operations on his or her 18th birthday. The court could also order your child directly to the Division of Adult Operations at age 16.

Show All Answers

1. My child came home after being arrested. What will happen now?
2. My child was arrested and taken into custody. What can the arresting officer do?
3. If we get a Notice to Appear, what will happen at the meeting with the probation officer? What should I do?
4. Do I need a lawyer for myself?
5. Does my child need a lawyer?
6. My child’s probation officer told me that the district attorney will be filing a petition. What does that mean?
7. What will happen if my child is taken to juvenile hall after the arrest?
8. How long could my child have to stay in juvenile hall?
9. Can I visit my child in juvenile hall?
10. What is the role of the probation officer?
11. How will my child and I find out about the court hearings?
12. What hearings will my child go to in juvenile court?
13. What will happen at the jurisdiction hearing?
14. What will happen at the disposition hearing?
15. May I be present at the hearings?
16. May I speak at the hearings?
17. Do we have the right to an interpreter?
18. May the victim attend and speak at the disposition hearing?
19. When can my child be tried as an adult?
20. What felonies are likely to be tried in adult court?
21. Where will my child go if he or she is sent to the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)?
22. When would my child go to the Division of Adult Operations instead of the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)?
23. Am I financially liable for my child’s acts?
24. Will I be required to pay my child’s fees?
25. Can my child’s juvenile records be sealed?
26. Can my child’s juvenile court record be used against him or her as an adult?
27. What should I do as a parent?