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Juvenile Dependency Court

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Juvenile Dependency Court

The Juvenile Dependency Court’s main purpose is not to punish the parents, but to help provide them with the necessary resources and information to create a better life for the child.

In many cases, the first hearing is called the “Detention Hearing”. The parents or legal guardians have the right to have a court appointed lawyer represent them. At the hearing the parents or legal guardians get a copy of the petition (allegations). The petition is a document where the social worker lists the reasons why he/she believes the child (children) has (have) been harmed. The social worker is required by law to gather information about the family. If the social worker can confirm a family member or a family friend the child may be able to live with them, if not, then the child may have to live with people he/she do not know (foster family). The decision the judge makes at this hearing are temporary until the Jurisdiction and Disposition Hearing.

Sometimes these issues can be solved outside of the court with something called, “Mediation”. The parties involved at Mediation are the parents or legal guardians, the parents’ attorney, the child’s attorney, the social worker, and a county counsel that represents the social worker. These parties come together to try and find a solution that best works for the child.

Next comes the Jurisdiction Hearing. This is the only time when the courts will here facts as to why the family is there. The judge will then decide whether the facts given are true or not. If the judge decides to believe the facts given by the social worker, then the family has four options. The family can: (1) admit to allegations; (2) submit the report to the court; (3) plead no contest to the allegations; or (4) contest the jurisdiction allegations.

At a contested jurisdiction trial, the parents have a right to testify their side of the argument. Also, the parents have the right to cross-examine witnesses. Children may also testify but depending on the age, the judge may ask the questions. The judge will then decide if there is enough evidence to support the allegations.

The next step is the Disposition Hearing. This is when the judge decides where the children can live and who may be allowed to visit them. Also, health insurance and educational issues are solved at this hearing. The judge also determines what plan the family will take. The most common plan is the “Family Reunification Plan”. This when the children go live with a family member or a close friend. The “Case Plan” is a document that tells the parents what they need to do in order reunify the family. Most of the time the parents have 12 months to show the judge they can safely parent their children.

There are three plans available if a judge determines that the parents cannot safely parent the children after the time given by the court. (1) Termination of parental rights and put up for adoption; (2) legal guardianship; and (3) permanent plan for foster care.

There are also several types of review hearings. These are done in order to make sure the court has come to the right decision.

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Mr. R was charged with embezzling close to $100,000 as a utility salesperson using a scheme to steal customers’ identities. Client avoided any jail time and received probation.

Mr. P was charged with embezzling equipment from John Wayne Airport while working as a contractor. Our office negotiated a civil compromise, resulting in the dismissal of felony charges and sealing his arrest record.

Mr. W. was charged with eight counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and criminal threats. Our office negotiated an offer of one year in therapy and then a dismissal of all charges.

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Ms. Johnson-Norris is an aggressive, professional and effective attorney. Thank you for your legal assistance. Her follow-through is to be commended, and she always returns phone calls and quickly replies to email. The outcome would not have been the same without Ms. Johnson-Norris as my attorney. I would highly recommend Ms. Johnson-Norris to friends and family in need of legal advice. Thank you!

M.B., a Family client

Ms. Johnson-Norris has been a ‘guardian angel’ in our case from the first second we spoke. She’s dedicated such intense time and detail into making sure everything is handled perfectly. Our case has not been finished (yet), and we’re just in the initial stages, but we are already extremely confident in her abilities. Our case is extremely sensitive in nature, but Ms. Johnson-Norris has shown compassion, composure, and extensive knowledge, which is always super comforting. I can say with certainty that Ms. Johnson-Norris will handle our legal needs from the beginning to the end. Also, Ms. Johnson-Norris is really easy to get ahold of. She returns phone calls and/or emails very quickly, which is also a very comforting factor, and something I wanted to point out about her.

Jill, a Juvenile client

Lauren Johnson-Norris was not only responsive, she was compassionate and reasonably priced. I would highly recommend her. She negotiated with the district attorney and brought the case to a win/win.

Shannon, a Criminal Defense client

Lauren Johnson-Norris was amazing. She explained everything in ways that were easily understood, & answered all of my questions. She was respectful, but also open & honest. She started work on my case the first day we met & got results quickly. She demonstrated passion, concern, and showed true feeling for my situation. My expectations were greatly exceeded. I would say she has an incredible attention for detail, & has a real dedication to her work. Lauren Johnson-Norris would be my first recommendation to any of my family or friends similarly in need of legal assistance.

Heather, a Juvenile client

Thank you, Ms. Johnson-Norris, for your help and support in a very scary, bad time in my life! You were a ray of sunshine in a very dark place. I didn’t have to step foot in a courtroom once; Ms. Johnson-Norris was there for me. Always kept me up to date and informed of the progress of my case, was able to work out a very good deal with the courts. If you need a great attorney that will work for you and with you, then I would highly recommend you hire Lauren Johnson-Norris!

J.B., a criminal client

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Criminal Defense FaQ

What immediate steps will you take to protect my rights?

We provide immediate crisis command by reviewing the allegations against you and intervening with law enforcement to prevent further exposure. From the moment you retain the Firm, we act as your shield, managing all communications and executing a decisive strategy to protect your liberty and reputation.

We prioritize discretion and exposure management. We understand that a public allegation can be as damaging as a conviction; therefore, our strategy focuses on minimizing the visibility of your case while challenging the prosecution’s narrative to preserve your standing in the community.

We begin by meticulously reviewing the allegations to determine if the conduct even constitutes a crime under the law. We then scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence against the highest standard — proof beyond a reasonable doubt. By analyzing the “who, what, when, where, and how,” we identify the natural questions a jury will have, allowing us to build an expert strategy that derails the prosecutor’s narrative.

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Yes, our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Orange County with a unique focus on “crossover” cases where criminal and juvenile law intersect. Johnson Criminal Law Group provides the specialized expertise necessary to navigate investigations that threaten parental rights and family stability.

When you partner with Johnson Criminal Law Group, you receive 24/7 responsiveness and a clear, strategic plan designed to resolve your legal emergency decisively. We balance aggressive defense strategies with genuine human connection, ensuring you are treated with the respect and transparency you deserve during a crisis

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