CHILDREN AND THE LAW
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Dependency Petitions
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Jurisdictional Hearing
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Types of Pleas in Dependency Cases
............No Contest/Nolo Contendere
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Types of pleas in dependency cases.
Parents may not contest applicability of W&I 300 (e) after ’no contest’ plea at jurisdiction hearing; their knowing and voluntary acquiescence waived right to challenge.
Juvenile court had no authority to entertain mother's motion for reconsideration of its jurisdictional finding and to dismiss petition where mother pled no contest and parties not given prior notice.
Totality of record under Boykin/Tahl test shows mother knowingly and voluntarily waived rights in pleading no contest, and fully understood she might be denied reunification and lose custody.
Submission on social study where court weighs evidence is not an admission or no contest plea; F did not waive right to appeal jurisdictional findings.