Process
The objective of those who process cases through Juvenile Services is to screen, review, interview, make recommendations for hearings and deal with the large volume of referrals made to the juvenile division. Every attempt is made to ensure the due process rights of the clients are protected and each client is treated with dignity. The following is the formal court process:
- Complaint is initiated by law enforcement.
- Prosecutor determines charge.
- Court determines how the case will be processed.
- The court sets a preliminary hearing or conducts preliminary inquiry.
- An attorney will be appointed upon request or if a parent is the victim.
- A pretrial hearing is scheduled if the charge is denied.
- Cases which are not resolved at pretrial will be set for a trial.
- The finding of guilt or admission may result in temporary wardship.
- Caseworker makes dispositional recommendations based on family and community needs assessment.
- An order is entered by the Court after consideration of recommendations from all parties
- The Court’s authority over the parent and juvenile continues until discharged from court jurisdiction.
Court Outcomes and Possible Dispositions
Once a juvenile enters into the court system, there are many possible court outcomes that may occur. If placed in the jurisdiction of the court, the judge may order any or all of the following (list may not be all inclusive):
- Temporary Wardship (Court Jurisdiction)
- Probation
- Community Service
- Driver’s License Sanctions
- Restitution/Apology to Victim
- Seek/Maintain Employment
- Court Imposed Curfews
- Counseling/Testing
- Search of Person/Belongings
- Drug Testing
- Foster Care
- Detention
- In-Home Detentionor Tether
- Home Intensive Care Program
- Residential Treatment
- Reimbursement for Services
- Parental Cooperation with all of the above
- Reimbursement for Fees
- Substance Abuse Treatment
- Waiver to Adult System
- Juvenile Drug Treatment Court
Page Last Modified: January 10, 2008 at 12:30 pm
