California · Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC

WIC §631.1: When a minor willfully misrepresents himself to be 18 or more years of age when taken into custody by a peace officer or probation officer, and this misrepresentation effects a material delay in inves

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute establishes procedures for when a minor falsely claims to be 18 during custody. If the misrepresentation delays investigation beyond 48 hours, the filing deadline extends 48 hours from when true age is determined; failure to file requires release.

Read the full statutory text

When a minor willfully misrepresents himself to be 18 or more years of age when taken into custody by a peace officer or probation officer, and this misrepresentation effects a material delay in investigation which prevents the filing of a petition pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or the filing of a criminal complaint against him in a court of competent jurisdiction within 48 hours, such petition or complaint shall be filed within 48 hours from the time his true age is determined, excluding nonjudicial days. If, in such cases, the petition or complaint is not filed within the time prescribed by this section, the minor shall be immediately released from custody.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.