Keep your child locked up and send the case to the district attorney. The district attorney will then file a Petition, usually within 2 days after the arrest.This guide is an introduction to the juvenile justice system for victims, witnesses, and those whose children and loved ones are involved in a juvenile case. What could happen to my child? A number of different sentencing options (called "dispositions") are available in the California juvenile delinquency system. House arrest is a form of alternative sentencing requiring a person to remain confined to their residence for a specified period. Juvenile felonies can count toward California's threestrikes law, which can lead to life imprisonment after the conviction of a third crime. A term of up to six (6) years in a state prison; OR,. It can range from a simple grant of probation to a commitment to state prison for up to five years. Quite a range, so I'll break it down.