Juvenile Minor Offense

All traffic infractions such as speeding, running a red light, and equipment violations are heard in the Adult Traffic Courts.

Juvenile minor offense cases, such as those described below, are heard at:

2851 Meadow Lark Drive

San Diego, CA 92123

Any person who was under the age of 18 at the time they committed the alleged offense may come under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. Welfare and Institutions Code Section 256 specifies the offenses that may be heard in the Juvenile Minor Offense Court. In San Diego County, most youth who commit minor offenses are diverted to programs in the community. Youth who are not successful in their diversion programs or who continue to commit minor offenses may be referred to the Juvenile Minor Offense Court.

There is no bail in juvenile cases. Instead, the Juvenile Court requires a personal appearance by the minor. Normally at least one parent is required to attend the hearing. The Juvenile Court tries to reinforce the parent-child relationship. Parental presence ensures that parents are aware of the incident, understand the reasons for the disposition made in the case, and can cooperate in the imposition of appropriate sanctions.

If the minor admits the violation, or if the court finds that the minor did commit the violation, Welfare and Institutions Code Section 258 sets forth the dispositions available to the judicial officer. The court retains jurisdiction of the case until the minor has complied with all orders.

Failure to appear in court as ordered on the citation or by the judicial officer, or failure to pay a court-ordered fine, will result in a Failure to Appear or a Failure to Pay hold being placed on the minor's driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This will suspend the driving privilege until the minor appears in court or pays the fine.

Please contact Juvenile Minor Offense at (858) 634-1616 for information.