In Re WRW

In a petition filed February 11, 1970, appellant W.R.W. (the minor) was alleged to be a minor who came within section 602 of the Welfare and Institutions Code [1] in that he committed assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury upon another youth in violation of Penal Code section 245. At a hearing before a referee on March 5, 1970, the petition was amended to allege simple battery in violation of Penal Code section 242 and the petition was sustained, the allegation having been found to be true. The proceedings were continued for disposition. On April 1, 1970, testimony was taken from one witness, Yolanda Mar, and the case was dismissed by the referee. On April 11, 1970, the minor and his parents received notice of the referee's order. On April 16, 1970, the court reporter was directed by a superior court judge to prepare a transcript of the testimony of Yolanda Mar. On May 1, 1970, that judge ordered a rehearing of the matter. At the rehearing, the court denied the minor's motion to dismiss made on the ground that the rehearing was not ordered within the necessary time limits provided by sections 556 through 559. [2] After taking testimony, the…