Juvenile Court Procedure
The procedure and organization of the juvenile court system is different from the adult system. After committing an offense, juveniles are detained rather than arrested. Next, a petition is drawn up which outlines the jurisdiction authority of the juvenile court over the offense and detained individuals, gives notice for the reason for the court appearance, serves as notice to the minor's family, and also is the official charging document.
In The Courtroom
Once in court, the juvenile case is adjudicated, and a disposition is handed down. Records from juvenile courts are sealed documents, unlike adult records which are accessible by anyone under the Freedom of Information Act. Like diversion, this measure is designed to protect the juvenile so that one mistake does not follow the juvenile for life. Juvenile records may also be expunged upon the juvenile's eighteenth birthday provided the juvenile has met certain conditions, such as good behavior. Juvenile court procedure is also far less formal than adult court procedure.
The court's ability to interfere in both criminal and other matters relating to juveniles is the product of a very old legal concept called parens patriae, a concept that regards the government as the legal protector of citizens unable to protect themselves. Even today, the disposition of a juvenile case is based on the least detrimental alternative, so the legacy of parens patriae is still evident. However, one major controversy in juvenile dispositions is the use of indeterminate sentencing, which allows a judge to set a maximum sentence.
In such cases, juveniles are monitored during their sentences and are released only when the judge is satisfied that they have been rehabilitated or when the maximum time has been served. Critics argue that this arrangement allows the judge too much discretion and is, therefore, not the least detrimental punishment.
Kinds of Juvenile Cases
There are three basic kinds of juvenile cases:
- Juvenile Delinquency Cases - These are cases involving minors whose actions, if they were adults, would be considered crimes and would result in a case in criminal court. Juvenile punishment, and the procedures used in juvenile delinquency courtrooms, differs significantly from adult criminal courts. The focus in juvenile proceedings is generally focused on rehabilitation and avoiding long-term negative repurcussions.
- Juvenile Dependency Cases - These cases involve minors that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their parents or guardians. Cases of this sort focus on protecting the child's safety. They have some similarity to family court cases.
- Status Offense Cases - These cases involve status offenses that apply specifically to juveniles. This may include underage drinking or driving, curfew violations, runaways, and truancy from school.
The organization model varies state by state, and some states, for example, Alabama, allow each county and city jurisdiction to decide which is the best method of organization. Where the juvenile court sits has profound implications for the juvenile process.
Get a Free Review of Your Juvenile Court Case
Although the juvenile justice system is generally more lenient than the adult criminal justice system a conviction can still have a profound impact on your child's life. A competent local attorney can help guide you and your child through the process, protecting their rights and ensuring they present the most effective defenses. Schedule a free case review with a local attorney today.