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Juvenile

Juvenile Dependency

Juvenile Justice

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over court -related matters for minors (persons under 18 years of age.) Individuals may also be ordered to appear in Juvenile Court after the age of 18, if they are charged with a crime committed before they turned 18.

California law mandates that juvenile proceedings and records are strictly confidential. These proceedings and records cannot be viewed by anyone other than the parties involved in the case. In rare instances, parties may petition the Court to disclose juvenile records. Unless there is an order from the Juvenile Court authorizing the disclosure of juvenile records, no such public access is permitted.

Juvenile Transfer-In Information
  • Juvenile Justice in-custody transfer-in matters are heard on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. at Marin County Juvenile Hall, 1600 Jeannette Prandi Way, San Rafael. Contact information for court clerk handling Dependency and Juvenile Justice matters: (415) 444-7217
  • Juvenile Justice out-of-custody transfer-in matters are heard Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. at Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, Courtroom G, San Rafael . Contact information for court clerk handling Dependency and Juvenile Justice matters: (415) 444-7217
  • Juvenile Dependency transfer-in matters are heard Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. at Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, Courtroom G, San Rafael. Contact information for court clerk handling Dependency and Juvenile Justice matters: (415) 444-7217
Juvenile Traffic and Other Infractions

Minors cited for traffic violations and other non-traffic related infractions will receive a courtesy notice from the court. This courtesy notice will provide information on how to take care of these matters. Typically, minors may either post and forfeit their bail (the fine plus penalty assessments and other fees) or appear in court by the due date on the notice. For more information about traffic and minor offenses, please click here.

Juvenile Traffic Misdemeanors

Minors cited for more serious traffic violations will be required to meet with the Probation Department, Juvenile Services Division. For more information about Juvenile Probation, please click here.

Preventing Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse
  1. Keep your eyes open; watch for signs of drug and alcohol abuse in your family.
  2. Develop healthy family communication so your teens know that they can talk to you about anything.
  3. Set limits and consistently enforce them. This makes it easier for teens to say "NO" when pressured by peers.
  4. Help your teens feel good about themselves; build up their self-esteem with support, praise, and love so they respect themselves and want to reach for their dreams.
  5. Serve as a good role model. If you have a substance abuse problem, get help for yourself.
  6. Help teens to make wise decisions based upon their own beliefs. Encourage them to say "NO" and avoid unhealthy situations.
  7. Encourage teens to choose positive friendships.
  8. Give teens the support they need to do their best in school.
  9. Help teens deal with failure so they learn to cope without wanting to escape with drugs or alcohol.
  10. If you suspect drug or alcohol abuse, talk to your teen about your concerns. Even if he or she is not using drugs, it helps you know your teen's attitudes and also explains your own position. Good communication is the best way to help teens avoid drug and alcohol abuse.

For more information on how to help minors deal with drug and alcohol problems, contact:

Your local school counselor or drug coordinator; The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Programs at (415) 473-3030 ; The National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service at (800) 662-4357.