Formal Court Process and Outcomes

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 caseworker sets a hearing or intake assessment.
  • An attorney will be appointed upon request or if a parent is the victim.
  • A pretrial conference scheduled if an attorney is appointed or 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 enter into the court system, there are many possible court outcomes that may occur. If placed on probation the judge may order any or all of the following (list may not be all inclusive):

  • Dismissal of a charge
  • Temporary Wardship (Court Jurisdiction)
  • Probation
  • Community Service (Self-Directed or Supervised)
  • First Offender Classes
  • Probation Groups
  • Driver's License Sanctions
  • Restitution/Apology to Victim
  • Mediation
  • Seek/Maintain Employment
  • Court Imposed Curfews
  • Counseling/Testing
  • Search of Person/Belongings
  • Drug Testing
  • Foster Care
  • Detention
  • In-Home Detention/Tether
  • Intensive Supervision (ISP)
  • Residential Treatment
  • Asset Building Groups
  • Reimbursement for Services
  • Parental Cooperation with all above
  • Reimbursement for Fees
  • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Juvenile Community Justice
  • Juvenile Justice Institute
  • Waiver to Adult System
  • Juvenile Drug Treatment Court