Crime Victim Services will be open by appointment only at this time.  Please call 419.222.8666 in Allen County and 419-523-1111 in Putnam County.  For immediate assistance or support call the 24/7 crisis line at 877.867.7273.
    CRIME VICTIM SERVICES
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    COURT PROCESS FOR JUVENILES

    General information

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    Juvenile Court

    Steps in the Juvenile Justice System


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    Legal steps for Juvenile Court:
    1. Offense Committed
    2. Police Investigation

    3. 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.

    4. Pre-hearing
      Alleged juvenile offender is informed of charges (at detention hearing if confined) and a plea of admission or denial is entered.

    5. Bind Over Hearing
      In serious felonies, a bind over hearing may be held to see if the juvenile should be tried as an adult.

    6. Pre-Trial
      The prosecutor may allow the alleged juvenile offender to admit to reduced or negotiated charges (plea bargaining).

    7. 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.

    8. 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.


    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. 

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    Thank you to donors and: Allen County Commissioners, Lima Law Director, Putnam County Commissioners, Putnam County Mental Health Board

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