Understanding juvenile court and victim rights

What is juvenile court?

If someone under 18 years old (a minor) is charged with a crime, their case is usually handled in juvenile court.

Confidentiality: Juvenile cases are private, meaning only certain people can access case details. The case is not open to the public.

Who is involved in a juvenile case?

In juvenile court, the following people are involved:

• The youth – The minor accused of a crime.

• The prosecutor – A lawyer representing the government.

• The youth's lawyer – A lawyer who represents the youth.

• The probation officer – Oversees the youth’s case and makes recommendations to the court.

What about victims?

If you are a victim of a crime, you have rights. These rights protect you and allow you to be involved in the case if you choose. As a victim, you get these rights if you were harmed. Harm can be:

• Physical pain or injury

• Emotional or psychological distress

• Financial loss

If the victim has passed away, their close family members—like a spouse, child, brother, sister, or legal guardian—can have these rights instead.

Your rights as a victim

Some rights are automatic. Other rights you have to ask for.

Your automatic rights 

You don't need to ask for these rights:

• Fairness and respect: You must be treated with dignity, respect, and privacy. You should not be harassed or intimidated.

• Protection from the youth: You have the right to be protected from the youth and anyone acting on their behalf.

• Consideration of your safety: If the youth is not held in juvenile detention, the court must consider your safety and your family’s safety when deciding release conditions.

• Confidentiality of your information: Your personal details must be kept private from the youth, their attorney, and anyone acting on their behalf.

• Right to refuse interviews: You do not have to speak with the youth’s lawyer or their team unless you choose to. If you agree, you can set conditions for the interview or deposition, such as what type of questions you'll answer and how long you can be questioned for.

• Right to refuse document requests: You can deny any discovery requests from the youth’s attorney or their representatives.

• Provide input on sentencing: You may submit information to the probation department about how the crime affected you and what outcome you hope for in the case.

• A speedy trial: You have the right to a trial and resolution without unnecessary delays.

• Paid for losses: The court may order the youth (and possibly their parents) to pay for your losses.

• Return of property: If your property was taken as evidence, it must be returned as soon as it is no longer needed.

• Safety considerations before release: If the youth is found responsible for the crime, your safety, your family's safety, and the public’s safety must be considered before their release.

Rights you must ask for

Some rights you only get if you ask for them:

• Get case information: You can ask for details about charges, arrests, and case outcomes from the prosecutor. You can also ask if the youth moved out of the state or country.

• Meet with the prosecutor: You may ask to discuss the case with the prosecutor.

• Receive court notices & attend court dates: You can request to be notified about court dates. You also have the right to attend any court dates, as long as the court dates are

  1. open to the public, and

  2. the youth and the prosecutor have the right to attend.

• Speak at court dates: You may give input at court dates involving the youth’s release, plea, or disposition. 

• Submit a victim impact statement: You can provide a written or verbal statement to the judge about how the crime affected you before the disposition.

Where can you get help?

Free legal information

• California Victims Resource Center – Call 1-800-VICTIMS for free and confidential legal information.

Get information about the case

• Contact the Victim Witness Advocate in the prosecutor’s office.

• Ask the California Victims Resource Center, your local probation officer, or the District Attorney’s Office for assistance.

More resources

• Victims of Juvenile Crimes Guide – Learn more about your rights.

• Restitution Basics for Victims of Juvenile Crimes – Understand your right to financial compensation.

• Victim Compensation Program – May reimburse up to $70,000 for medical bills, lost income, mental health care, and funeral expenses.

• Support for Witnesses – Some prosecutor offices may help cover travel and other expenses if you participate in the case.