Juvenile
The following juvenile-related matters are handled by Juvenile Court:
1. Juvenile Dependency
A juvenile becomes a dependent of the Juvenile Court when the juvenile's home is deemed unfit because of neglect or abuse. For more information regarding this process, please visit the Judicial Council Website
2. Juvenile Delinquency
When a child has committed a criminal act, the child is deemed a delinquent and may be made a ward of the Juvenile Court. The Court's jurisdiction is usually over youths under the age of 18 years and may extend until the youth's 21st birthday. In certain cases, the wardship may extend until the age of 25 years. For more information regarding this process, please visit the Judicial Council Website
3. Juvenile Traffic Citations and/or Minor Offenses
Juvenile traffic misdemeanors are handled by Traffic Court located at 3131 Arrow St Bakersfield, CA 93308
Your courtesy notice and citation will indicate which court branch will handle your case.
- Juveniles must personally appear with a parent or legal guardian.
- The juvenile must present photo ID.
- Should have the citation or citation number.
Juvenile traffic infractions in the Metropolitan Division, you must visit the Traffic Court located at 3131 Arrow St Bakersfield, CA 93308
Metropolitan Division Juvenile traffic court cases are heard every 1st and 3rd Wednesday afternoon of each month. Because the Juvenile Court calendar has limited space and fills quickly, it is advised you make arrangements with the Traffic Court as quickly as possible upon receipt of your courtesy notice but no later than the due date on your notice. This request must be made in person as noted above.
Mandatory Appearance
If a juvenile is cited for a moving violation, it is an automatic mandatory violation. If you are not sure, you may call the Traffic Department for this one question. This will be the only question concerning your citation that may be answered. All other questions or requests must be made in person and you must have your parent/legal guardian with you.
For further information visit California Courts/Judicial Council - Juvenile Court
Transfer Information For Other Counties
Transfer-in hearing dates/times are Monday through Friday at 8:00am. Dependency courtrooms are J3 and J4.
Juvenile Justice Center Contact Information
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Aftercare Program
Phone: (661) 868-4448
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Court Appointed Special Advocate
Address:
1717 Columbus St.
Bakersfield, CA 93305Phone: (661) 631-2272
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Camp Erwin Owen
Address:
14401 Sierra Way
Kernville, CA 93238Phone: (760) 376-2844
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Human Services
Address:
100 East California, Bakersfield
Phone: (661) 631-4000
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District Attorney Victim Services
Phone: (661) 868-2400
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Home Supervision Electronic Monitoring
Phone: (661) 868-4486
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James G. Bowles Youth Detention Center
Address:
1831 Ridge Road
Bakersfield, CA 93385Phone: (661) 868-4300
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Youth Detention Center Intake
Phone: (661) 868-4313
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Kern Crossroads Facility
Address:
17824 Quality Rd
Bakersfield, CA 93308Phone: (661) 868-4300
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Probation Department
Address:
2005 Ridge Road
Bakersfield, CA 93385Phone: (661) 868-4100
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Take Away Tattoos (T.A.T.)
Phone: (661) 868-4243
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Work Program
Phone: (661) 868-4475
Juvenile Justice FAQs
Please be advised Juvenile cases are strictly confidential – no information will be given on the phone. Parties wishing to obtain information must present identification establishing themselves to be parties to the case.
A W&I 388 Request to Change Court Order must be completed, served on the required parties and submitted for review by a judicial officer. The court may grant or deny the modification petition or may set the matter for hearing.
The forms are available:
Online:
W&I 388 Modification Petition, Request to Change Court Order (JV-180)
In Person:
Superior Court Clerk's Office
Juvenile Justice Center
2100 College Ave , 4th floor
Bakersfield, CA 93305
An investigation is conducted by the Probation Department. To start the record seal process, contact the Probation Department Intake Division at:
1831 Ridge Road
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 868-4313
Click Here for more information regarding the process.
An investigation is conducted by the Probation Department. The court may grant or deny the petition for emancipation or may set the matter for hearing. For detailed information regarding the emancipation process, contact the Probation Department Intake Division at:
1831 Ridge Road
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 868-4313
Emancipation information and forms are available
In Person:
Superior Court Clerk's Office
Juvenile Justice Center
2100 College Ave , 4th floor
Bakersfield, CA 93305
A Request for Disclosure of Juvenile Case File must be completed, served on the required parties and submitted for review by a judicial officer. The court may grant or deny the Request for Disclosure of a Juvenile Case File or may set the matter for hearing. Identification is required.
Online:
Petition for Disclosure of Juvenile Court Record, Request for Disclosure of Juvenile Case File (JV-570)
Proof of Service, Petition for Access to Juvenile Case File
In Person:
Superior Court Clerk's Office
Juvenile Justice Center
2100 College Ave , 4th floor
Bakersfield, CA 93305
A Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency/Juvenile must be completed for judicial review. The court may grant or deny the Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency or may set the matter for hearing.
Online:
Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency/Juvenile, Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency (JV-575)
In Person:
Superior Court Clerk's Office
Juvenile Justice Center
2100 College Ave , 4th floor
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Transfer-in hearing dates/times are Monday through Friday at 8:00am.