In Re Armondo A.

A juvenile court petition was filed May 21, 1990, alleging that minor, Armondo A., violated Vehicle Code section 10851, felony automobile theft. Before the petition had been filed, the probation officer had determined, pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 654, that informal supervision would not be appropriate for minor’s circumstances. Upon minor’s request, the court referred the matter to the probation department for reconsideration of informal supervision. On August 15 and 22, the court held hearings for consideration of informal supervision and denied the minor’s request.

On August 23, 1990, the minor admitted the allegation in the petition as a misdemeanor. The court declared minor to be a ward of the court and determined the maximum period of confinement would be one year. Minor was placed on formal probation in the custody of his parents.

On appeal, minor contends the juvenile court failed to properly exercise its discretion in determining his eligibility for informal supervision. He also asserts he was denied due process in the hearing on this matter.

Facts

The underlying facts of the petition are not relevant to the issues in this case; however,…