When a parent's child is taken into custody, the fear is overwhelming and the rules are unfamiliar. The Kern County Juvenile Justice Center at 2100 College Avenue in Bakersfield handles cases involving minors, and it is important to understand up front that the juvenile system does not work like adult bail.
How juvenile cases differ
In the adult system, a judge sets a bail amount and a bond secures release. The juvenile system instead focuses on detention hearings and release to a parent or guardian, and a commercial bail bond is frequently not the mechanism that brings a minor home. That distinction matters, because the worst thing a frightened family can do is pay for something that does not apply to their situation.
What we will tell you honestly
If you call us about a child at the Juvenile Justice Center, we will give you a straight, no-pressure explanation of how the juvenile process generally works and whether bail is even part of it. We would rather point you toward the right next step, often contacting the court and an attorney, than sell you a bond you do not need. On the occasions a bond does apply, we are here to help.
You are not navigating this alone
Even when bail is not the answer, families call us simply because they do not know who else to ask at 2 a.m. We will help you understand the road ahead at the Bakersfield courthouses and what to expect next. Reach out any time through our contact page or by phone.