1. Do I have to appear in court or can I just pay a fine?
There is a mandatory appearance in court (accompanied by a parent/legal guardian) for most citations. The exception would be fix-it-tickets and some bike and pedestrian tickets. For specific information, you may contact the Juvenile Clerk's Office by calling our auto attendant at (209) 530-3100. Please listen carefully to select the correct office.

2. Do I have to make an appearance in court for a fix-it-ticket?
No. The court date on the bottom of the ticket is a deadline to return proof of correction, along with the $25 processing fee for dismissal of the citation. However, if the correction cannot be returned prior to the court date, an appearance with a parent/legal guardian is necessary. The judge would grant an extension.

3. How can I change my arraignment date for my ticket?
The date can be reset to a different date if the minor comes to the court's office to sign a form called a Promise to Appear. The signature of the minor is necessary for the court to retain jurisdiction over the citation. The parent/legal guardian must be present at the time of signing.

4. I didn't get a notice in the mail about my ticket. Why?
The Juvenile court does not send a courtesy notice with a fine amount because there is a mandatory appearance in court before a fine is imposed. The court date and time is assigned by the citing officer, and a copy of the citation is served on the minor by the officer. The citation, containing the hearing date, serves as a Notice of Hearing.

5. Can someone other than my parent come to court with me?
The court requires a parent to appear with the minor. Exceptions are made only when the parents are deceased or the individual cited is 18 years or older when the actual hearing takes place.

6. Can I obtain information about a minor's file by calling the Juvenile Court Clerk's office?
No. All juvenile proceedings are strictly confidential.

7. Can I obtain information about my own child's juvenile records?
Juvenile records are confidential, and specific record information is not available over the phone. You must appear in person with proof of identity in order to have any access to your own child's juvenile information. If after answering identifying questions by the clerk that would indicate you are the parent, the clerk would be able to provide limited information from the courts file (such as next hearing, name of attorney). The clerk will not provide detailed information regarding the nature of the proceedings. These types of questions should be answered by the attorney involved in the case.

8. How do I get a copy of a police report or a child protective service report?
On all of the following requests for reports or documents from file, it is important that the petitioner is thorough in stating why they want the information and for what purpose, or who they are going to use the infomation for. The court considers this information when granting or denying petition. If the court needs further information from you, the court may set a hearing prior to granting or denying your petition.

Police Reports: The person needs to go to the agency on which the report was made and fill out a petition at the agency (JV575 828 W&I, note some of the agencies have developed their own petition). The agency in turn will send the original petition and report to the court for review and the court will make its order. The order and report will be sent back to the agency. The agency will contact the petitioner.

CPS Report: Petitioner will fill out Petition to Obtain Report pursuant to 828 W&I (JV575, JV580). After verifying the identity of petitioner (dr., lic, etc.) we will fax to CPS. After we get the report from CPS the court will review and make the order. Petition (granted) we will contact petitioner and they can come get a copy of the report at 50 cents per page. If denied, we will send order denying petition to petitioner. Petition (granted) stating "may view only", we will send order and report back to CPS and copy of order to petitioner. In this case "may view only" they should contact CPS to make the necessary arrangements to view report.

Juvenile Court Records: Petitioner will need to fill out "Petition for Disclosure of Juvenile Court Records" pursuant to 827 W&I (JV570). Petitioner must identify exactly what document they anticiipate needing copies of. After identifying petitioner (dr., lic, etc.) we will look up to see if there is a case. If there is a case we will submit to the court. The court will review and make order. Copies will be charged at 50 cents per page and $15.00 per document if certified. If there is not a case, the court will prepare an affidavit of no record, if requested. The charge for the affidavit of no record is $15.00.

9. How do I find out about emancipation?
Emancipation proceedings are processed at the main courthouse. Please contact the Probate Division of the Superior Court. The Probate Division is located in the main courthouse at 1100 I Street. You may purchase emancipation packets for $3.00.

10. How do I seal my juvenile record?
To seal your juvenile record, you have to contact the Juvenile Probation Department at 525-5400. Probation does the research to make sure your record is clear - example: any and all fines are paid, nothing outstanding. Then, the Probation Department petitions the court for the record sealing. After the hearing the court signs the order. A copy of the order is sent to all agencies that Probation found had a record. The agency that is excluded from sealing is Department of Motor Vehicles.

11. I have an out of control child, who can I see or talk to for help. Are there any programs?
The public should contact the Juvenile Probation Department directly at 525-5400 if they have any questions regarding programs or services. They are more than happy to help answer questions concerning their services.