Legal Terms & Definitions
Adjudication – Plea of admission, no contest, or finding of guilty after trial.
Disposition – Determination of consequence after adjudication.
Emancipation of Minors
- Minor must file petition
- Allows minor to function as adult with two exceptions: the minor may not vote or drink alcohol until legal age
- Must be at least 16
- Burden of proof on minor for self-sufficiency
Interim Order – Temporary order entered until next hearing.
No Contest Plea – Finding of responsibility without a trial or statement by juvenile. Juvenile must agree.
Parental Consent Waivers – Permission for an abortion without parental consent.
- Minor initiates the process
- Determination by court after assessment
- Must be in minor’s best interest or minor must be mature enough to make decision
Petition – Written document stating charge.
Preliminary Hearing – Must be held within 24 hours of placement in detention. Determination as to legal basis for charges. Determination of placement pending next hearing.
Pretrial Conference – Meeting of attorney and/or juvenile and prosecutor to resolve matter without a trial.
Probable Cause – Reasonable grounds to believe a crime occurred and the accused juvenile my have participated.
Referee – Person empowered by Judge and Statute to conduct hearings in Juvenile matters
Restitution – Payment of money to the victim by the juvenile and/or parents.
Status Offense – Truancy, runaway, or incorrigibility.
Summons – Notice and order to attend a hearing.
Temporary Ward – Legal authority over parents and juvenile; parental rights remain intact.
