In re A.B. CA4/2

INTRODUCTION

Defendant and appellant A.B. (minor) appeals from a juvenile court’s order for

victim restitution. We affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Minor’s aunt and uncle took legal guardianship of him when he was in 5th grade

because his mother was addicted to drugs. In 2021, their four-year-old daughter

disclosed that minor, who was 14 years old at the time, had been touching her private

parts and having her touch his for several months. Minor admitted what he had been

doing, but showed no remorse. His aunt and uncle told him he had to move out

immediately. They decided to terminate the guardianship and paid an attorney $3,500 to

begin the process.

On November 10, 2021, the San Bernardino County District Attorney filed a

juvenile wardship petition alleging four counts of committing a lewd act upon a child.

(Pen. Code § 288, subd. (a), counts 1-4.) On November 30, 2021, minor voluntarily

admitted the allegations in counts 1 and 2, and on motion by the People, the court

dismissed counts 3 and 4.

On December 14, 2021, the juvenile court held a dispositional hearing and

declared minor a ward of the court, to be placed in the custody of his mother…