California Protects Immigrant Children

May 7, 2026

California Protects Immigrant Children

The California legislature continues to uphold the protections established by Assembly Bill 899 (codified in Welfare and Institutions Code § 827), which bars juvenile probation officers and officials from referring undocumented youth offenders to ICE. This remains a cornerstone of California's commitment to dealing with the reality of its embedded immigrant population.



While the federal government continues to avoid addressing comprehensive immigration reform, California—bolstered by additional protections like the California Values Act (SB 54)—has successfully removed state-sponsored enforcement measures that previously supported a broken federal immigration system. In 2026, these laws ensure that a minor's confidential juvenile record remains protected from federal authorities, prioritizing rehabilitation and privacy over deportation.

Teen Arrested After School Fight? What Parents Need to Know

By Richard S. Sterger • November 6, 2026
Navigating the juvenile justice system when your teenager gets into a fight at school or a party can feel overwhelming for any parent.

Teen Caught With Drugs at a Party or School in California

By Richard S. Sterger • November 3, 2026
In California, a minor caught with cocaine, meth or someone else's Adderall faces a misdemeanor on a first offense, while marijuana is an infraction.

Will a Drug Charge Show Up on My Teen's Background Check?

By Richard S. Sterger • October 31, 2026
Juvenile drug cases are typically sealed and not asked about in college admissions, but charges after 18 can surface in private background databases.

How to Keep a Teen Drug Arrest From Becoming a Long Case

By Richard S. Sterger • October 28, 2026
Early diversion at the police or DA level, before a petition is filed, can keep a teen drug arrest off the record and out of court monitoring.

Will a Teen DUI Show Up on Background Checks in California?

By Richard S. Sterger • October 25, 2026
A juvenile DUI misdemeanor is sealed after the case ends, but for 18 to 20 year olds it shows up on background checks, though expungement can help.

Can an Underage DUI Affect College Admission or Recruiting?

By Richard S. Sterger • October 22, 2026
Attorney Rick Sterger explains that FAFSA no longer asks about convictions, but campus housing, codes of conduct, and athletic recruiting can expose a DUI.

Can My Child Lose Their License After an Underage DUI?

By Richard S. Sterger • October 19, 2026
Under California's zero tolerance rule, a driver under 21 with any alcohol faces a 12-month DMV suspension, and you have 10 days to request a hearing.

First 24 Hours After Your Child Gets in Legal Trouble

By Richard S. Sterger • October 16, 2026
In the first 24 hours after a child's arrest, stop talking, don't delete phone data, and call a lawyer, because only the district attorney files charges.

Can a Lawyer Help Before Juvenile Charges Are Filed?

By Richard S. Sterger • October 13, 2026
Richard Sterger explains how a lawyer involved during a school investigation can protect your child's rights and ask police for diversion before referral.
Gavel beside whiskey, car keys, and cash on a wooden table, suggesting legal or DUI-related consequences

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Accident in California?

October 11, 2026
Learn about DUI accident penalties in California, including jail, fines, license consequences, and how Sterger Law Group can help protect your rights after arrest.