CHILDREN AND THE LAW
...Dependency Petitions
......Jurisdictional Hearing
.........Types of Pleas in Dependency Cases
............No Contest/Nolo Contendere
5 Cards On This Topic:
  • 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.