HABLA ESPAÑOL • AVAILABLE 24/7/365 • HELP WITH BAIL BONDS

(949) 622-5522
(949) 622-5522
En Español
Schedule Consultation

Winning a Jurisdiction and Disposition Hearing in Juvenile Dependency Court

Available 24/7/365
See All Criminal Defense Practice Areas

As Seen In

10 News First
CNN
Court TV
Forbes
Huff Post Live Alt
Huff Post Live
KTLA

Winning a Jurisdiction and Disposition Hearing in Juvenile Dependency Court

Summary: This page covers What Is a Jurisdiction Hearing in a CPS Case?, What Is a Disposition Hearing in a CPS Case?, What Should You Do to Prepare for a Jurisdiction and Disposition Hearing in Juvenile Dependency Court?.

Once Child Protective Services (CPS) starts an investigation, there is a legal process they must follow. By learning what to expect in a jurisdiction and disposition hearing with CPS, you can take the next step toward getting your child back. This process can be complex for newcomers, but an experienced juvenile dependency lawyer can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.

What Is a Jurisdiction Hearing in a CPS Case?

At a jurisdictional hearing, the goal is to determine if the petition is true.This can be accomplished through three key ways.

  • You or the other parent can tell the court that the petition is true.
  • You can simply choose not to argue the petition, which is known as submission.
  • Parents or guardians can fight the charges. In this instance, the court will review all of the evidence and both sides will get a chance to argue their cases.

If the court determines that the petition is true, then the next step is the disposition hearing.

What Is a Disposition Hearing in a CPS Case?

Your lawyer will walk you through how to prepare for a disposition hearing in California. During the disposition hearing, the judge decides what will happen to your child. The following are just a few examples of what they can decide.

  • The judge can dismiss the case, allowing the child to return to their parents’ custody.
  • They can choose to let the child live with you on a family maintenance plan. This is where a social worker supervises the child’s living situation with the parents.
  • The court can take the child away and require family reunification services for the child to be reunited with their family.
  • The child can be removed permanently. For instance,an untreated drug problem can lead to permanent removal.

What Should You Do to Prepare for a Jurisdiction and Disposition Hearing in Juvenile Dependency Court?

To prepare for your jurisdiction and disposition hearing, the first step is reaching out to a juvenile dependency lawyer near you. Understanding CPS court hearings can be confusing, so you want to find the best help possible. With the help of your attorney, you can use the following tips to get ready for your case.

Read Through the Petition

To get ready for your disposition hearing with CPS, start by reading through the petition. Your lawyer can help you understand the allegations, so you can determine the best method for preparing for your case.

Gather Evidence

In a CPS case, evidence can take many different forms. For example, a mother could use a report from school to show that an injury took place at school and not under the mother’s care. Similarly, video evidence, testimony from eyewitnesses, and medical records can help to support your case.

Get Your Testimony Ready

You have the right to testify in your case. Under Rule 5.250, your child’s ability to testify may vary. Before your case begins, it’s important to prepare your testimony in advance so that the court understands your side of the story.

Take Advantage of Family Reunification Services

If the court assigns family reunification services, you need to follow them closely. You will get follow-up hearings at 6, 12, and 18 months. The 18-month hearing is one of your last chances to get your children back, which is why it’s so vital to make progress before this milestone is reached.

Learn How to Win a Jurisdiction and Disposition Hearing in California

When it comes to a jurisdictional or disposition hearing with CPS, you need all of the help you can get. You don’t want to be unprepared. CPS investigations are extensive, and they will have all of their evidence prepared before the court date.

To fight CPS, you need to be 100% prepared. From testimony to eye witness, you need all of your ducks in a row to take on the state. To learn more about the best steps for your case, reach out to our talented CPS lawyers today.

Get A Criminal Defense Consultation Now

Do you already have a court date?*
Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Recover Your Future with a Commanding Legal Defense

Immediate Action to Restore Control

Neutralize threats & prevent escalation with a firm that begins active case management as soon as you retain us

24/7 Access to Elite Legal Counsel

Connect with a member of our team at any time to begin addressing your legal challenges swiftly and decisively

Resolve Uncertainty with Clear Guidance

Reduce stress and uncertainty through honest, candid assessments and a clear, strategic path to resolution

Fierce Representation for Urgent Situations

Secure lasting stability for you or your loved one through an aggressive defense and diligent case preparation

Contact Us 24/7/365

Criminal Defense Case Results

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.

Mr. H. was found by police passed out in his vehicle with drugs out in the open. Our office was successful in obtaining a diversion out of the criminal justice system and ultimately a dismissal.

Read More Case Results

Hear From Our Clients

Refreshing & Life-Changing Experience

Lauren Johnson-Norris changed my life and my family’s in September 2014. I was a troubled young girl with some convictions on my record from my early adult life. I have grown older and changed my life but my past kept rearing its ugly head. I started researching expungement and found Ms. Johnson-Norris, and I am so glad I did. She treated me like a person and as I told her about myself she really engaged in my situation and I felt I was not some number to her but a real person. She expunged two felonies I had. One of them the courts did not want to expunge, but Ms. Johnson-Norris would not take no for an answer and fought for me! She always kept me posted on what was going on. I believe God led me to her. She is very talented and knows what she is doing. She is extremely professional and is not only after your money. She has a heart under her tough Lawyer position that she does so well. She cleared my record and gave me hope for my future, my husband’s and my son! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER. If you had a rough past and are trying to change your life. Go see Ms. Johnson-Norris; she knows what she is doing.

A.M., a criminal client

I want to thank Ms. Johnson-Norris, especially, for all her help during this difficult time. When we could not see the end of the tunnel, she helped us and guided us through the exit. Thank her not only for her professional help but for her emotional and sympathetic support. God bless her.

Parent of a juvenile crime client

I really appreciate everything she has done for me; I cannot thank her enough! Ms. Johnson-Norris did an absolutely thorough job by answering any and all questions that I had. She called me with updates and preferences on how I should be handling the case, which made the whole process very reassuring. The staff was very up to date with all of the follow-up information that was involved with my case that was also extremely beneficial. Ms. Johnson-Norris had a very reassuring aspect about her that made it very easy to let her handle the case. If anything were to go wrong with anyone I am associated with, she will be the lawyer of choice. I really appreciate everything that she has done for me, I can not thank her enough!

Mr. D., a criminal defense client

Ms. Johnson-Norris was recommended to me by many sources. She was the perfect fit, financially and professionally. I did what she told me to do to get the best possible resolution and it definitely paid off. I would recommend Lauren Johnson-Norris to anyone and am truly grateful for her services. She gave me peace of mind in some bad times. Thanks, Ms. Johnson-Norris!

A client charged with an alcohol-related misdemeanor

Thank you so much for all your help with our case. It was a pleasure meeting you and I appreciate all you’ve done for my family. You are the best attorney that we could have and we are so grateful that we met you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

A juvenile delinquency client’s parent

Read more Testimonials

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.

.

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

Habla Español • Available 24/7/365 Help With Bail Bonds

Schedule A Consultation
(949) 622-5522