- Offense Committed
- Police Investigation
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- Petition filed in Juvenile Court or Possible Diversion
Allows the juvenile to follow special conditions instead of officially filing delinquency charges in juvenile court. If the diversion program is successfully completed, the juvenile has no record of delinquency. Only certain charges qualify for diversion.
Return to top - Pre-hearing
Alleged juvenile offender is informed of charges (at detention hearing if confined) and a plea of admission or denial is entered.
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- Bind Over Hearing
In serious felonies, a bind over hearing may be held to see if the juvenile should be tried as an adult.
Return to top - Pre-Trial
The prosecutor may allow the alleged juvenile offender to admit to reduced or negotiated charges (plea bargaining).
Return to top - Contested Hearing (Trial)
Occurs if no plea agreement is reached. Both sides of the case, defense and prosecution, are presented. Juvenile is found delinquent by the judge (never by a jury), or case is dismissed.
Return to top - Disposition (Sentencing)
Hearing to determine what would most help a youth who is found delinquent. May include restitution for victim losses, restraining order, curfews, community service, probation, house arrest, commitment to treatment/rehabilitation.
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What to expect in juvenile court:
Juveniles are treated differently than adults when they break the law. The intent of the juvenile justice process is to individually treat (rehabilitate) children and to allow them, at age 18, to have a fresh start from the mistakes of youth.
Juvenile proceedings are closed to the public.