Skip to content
LitigationForms
JV-720-INFOOptional

The Racial Justice Act in Juvenile Court

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective July 1, 2026

This form provides information about the Racial Justice Act (RJA), which is a law that stops the state from punishing someone based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin. It explains when the law might apply to a person's juvenile case and how to file a request under it.

The court describes it as: Explains how the Racial Justice Act works in juvenile court.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This information is used when someone has a juvenile delinquency case and wants to know if the Racial Justice Act might apply to their situation.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

Who can file a request under the RJA in juvenile court?
A request can be filed if a juvenile case is pending, if the person is on juvenile probation, or if they are in custody because of a juvenile delinquency case. It may also apply if the case affects immigration status or if the person was sent to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
Do I need a lawyer to file this request?
No, a person can file the request themselves, or they can ask a lawyer to file it for them. If a person does not have a lawyer, they can ask the court to appoint one.
What form do I use to actually file the request?
To file the request, you or your lawyer must fill out the form called Request for Relief Under the Racial Justice Act—Juvenile Adjudication, which is form JV-720.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect July 1, 2026.

Related forms

  • CR-187

    Motion to Vacate Conviction or Sentence

    This form is used to ask the court to cancel a conviction or sentence. You can ask for this if you are not a citizen and didn't know the immigration problems of the conviction, if you found new proof that you are actually innocent, or if you have a claim related to race.

    OptionalFillable PDF3 translations
  • HC-001

    Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus

    This form is used to ask the court for a writ of habeas corpus, which is a legal request to challenge a criminal conviction, a period of detention, or the conditions where someone is being held. It asks for detailed information about the person's current status and the legal history of the case.

    OptionalFillable PDF3 translations
  • JV-720

    Request for Relief Under the Racial Justice Act—Juvenile Adjudication

    This form is used to tell the court that the person believes the Racial Justice Act was violated during a juvenile court case. It asks the court to consider if discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or national origin affected the case.

    OptionalFillable PDF3 translations
  • EFS-005-JV

    Electronic Service: Consent, Withdrawal of Consent, Address Change (Juvenile)

    This form lets you tell the court if you agree to get case papers electronically, if you want to change your electronic address, or if you no longer want electronic papers. It is used in juvenile cases to manage how you receive official court notices.

    OptionalFillable PDF1 translation
  • ICWA-005-INFO

    Information Sheet on Indian Child Inquiry Attachment and Notice of Child Custody Proceeding for Indian Child

    This is an information sheet that explains how to fill out forms related to the Indian Child Welfare Act. It guides the user on gathering family background information and notifying the court and tribes if there is a reason to believe a child may be an Indian child.

    OptionalFillable PDF1 translation
  • ICWA-020

    Parental Notification of Indian Status

    This form asks a parent, Indian custodian, or guardian to provide information about the child's connection to any Indian tribe. It asks about the person's own tribal status, the child's potential tribal status, and the tribal status of the child's ancestors.

    MandatoryFillable PDF1 translation
  • ICWA-030(A)

    Attachment to Notice of Child Custody Proceeding for Indian Child

    This form is an attachment used with the ICWA-030 Notice of Child Custody Proceeding for Indian Child. It provides extra space to list the names, addresses, and phone numbers of tribes or agencies that have received the notice.

    OptionalFillable PDF1 translation
  • JV-050-INFO

    What happens if your child is taken from your home?

    This form explains what happens when a police officer or social worker removes a child from a home because of safety concerns. It outlines the steps the court and social workers will take to determine the child's safety and future placement.

    OptionalFillable PDF7 translations