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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 6Pt. 2Ch. 2Art. 2§ 6512 Developmental Disability Court Proceedings

§ 6512 Developmental Disability Court Proceedings

Welfare and Institutions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 6512 Developmental Disability Court Proceedings

Key Takeaways

  • •If a kid or adult in court seems to have a developmental disability, the judge can pause the case.
  • •The judge can ask someone to start a special process to check if the person really has a disability.
  • •While waiting for the check, the person might be kept in a safe place or with a guardian.
  • •If the check shows no disability, the court case continues like normal.

Example

A 15-year-old is in juvenile court for stealing a bike. The judge notices the teen struggles to understand what’s happening and thinks they might have a developmental disability.

The judge can pause the case and order a check to see if the teen has a disability. While waiting, the teen might stay with a trusted adult or in a safe place. If the check shows no disability, the case goes back to court.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 6512 Developmental Disability Court Proceedings

If, when a boy or girl is brought before a juvenile court under the juvenile court law, it appears to the court, either before or after adjudication, that the person has a developmental disability, or if, on the conviction of any person of a crime by any court, it appears to the court that the person has a developmental disability, the court may adjourn the proceedings or suspend the sentence, as the case may be, and direct some suitable person to take proceedings under this article against the person before the court, and the court may order that, pending the preparation, filing, and hearing of the petition, the person before the court be detained in a place of safety, or be placed under the guardianship of some suitable person, on his entering into a recognizance for the appearance of the person upon trial or under conviction when required. If, upon the hearing of the petition, or upon a subsequent hearing, the person upon trial or under conviction is not found to have a developmental disability, the court may proceed with the trial or impose sentence, as the case may be. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 25, Sec. 30. (AB 1472) Effective June 27, 2012.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

disabilityconvictionsentenceguardianshiptrialsafetycrimehearing

Related Statutes

  • § 6502 Developmental Disability Commitment Petition
  • § 6506 Temporary Custody For Developmental Disability
  • § 676 Juvenile Court Hearing Access
  • § 317 Court-Appointed Counsel For Parents
  • § 345 Juvenile Court Hearing Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 6512.
View Official Source