Q: I want to go watch a criminal sentencing, may I take my 13 year old grandson in to watch also
I’m in California
A:
Yes. Criminal court proceedings are open to the public in California. However, please use discretion. Sentencing hearings often come with victim impact statements that discuss the case facts. These often contain graphic descriptions of the crime and how that crime impacted the victim.
If the the matter is a juvenile case, then you are not allowed to appear unless you are yourself a victim (or support person for the victim), or the case is a Welfare and Institutions Code 707(b) listed offense in which case the proceedings are open to the public.
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