Delinquent Court Programs

Juvenile Programs Intake unit is comprised of one supervisor, three on-call intake officers, and one full time Community Outreach Case Manager. The Case Managerdc_logo_sm handles the juvenile cases from the time the complaint is routed to them until disposition of the case is completed. Many first offenders can be dealt with effectively through an informal process that addresses the complaint without a formal appearance before a judge.

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DOUGLAS COUNTY JUVENILE COURT INFORMATION

Douglas County Juvenile Court Information

Delinquent Court Process & Termsgavel

This information was not prepared by the court itself and is not intended to substitute for legal advice.

Delinquent Court Terms


Scales of JusticeCOMPLAINT: The initial Form 90 complaint completed on your child that indicates his/her charges and starts his/her court involvement.

DELINQUENT: An offense that is a violation of the criminal laws or ordinances. Some examples are thefts, damage to property, drug or alcohol charges, battery, etc.

DETAINED: Your child is being taken into law enforcement custody and placed in secure placement until a detention hearing is held.

ARRAIGNMENT: A hearing where your child is explained his/her Juvenile Court rights, the charges are explained, and an admission or denial is requested on the charges. A denial will invoke the child’s right to a trial.

ADJUDICATION: A hearing where the court finds whether your child has committed a delinquent act based on an admission or trial.

DISPOSITION: A decision made by the court regarding the length of supervision, treatment and rehabilitation your child will be required to follow, participate in and complete prior to termination of court involvement.  Special conditions can be ordered.

PETITION: The form that you receive explaining what charges are brought against your child.

Delinquent Court Process

COURT CONTACT

You will receive a summons and petition if you are required to come to court. The court does not reschedule hearings unless there is a documented medical emergency or death in the family. The court is authorized to detain your child for failure to appear. Your child may come to court several times for different hearings detailed below.     Several cases are scheduled at the same time, and you may have to wait for your child’s hearing to begin. Our intent through the Juvenile Court procedure is to work cooperatively with the community, law enforcement and parents of the youth toward rehabilitation. Please feel free to communicate with us regarding the concerns and needs of your child. Fees may be imposed by the court. You need to be prepared to   present to the court if this is a hardship and why.

IF YOUR CHILD IS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AND DETAINED:

 by an Intake Officer, he/she will have a detention hearing within 48 hours in front of a Juvenile Court Judge. The purpose of this hearing is to determine the placement of your child until he/she returns to court on the actual charges. At this hearing your child will be represented an attorney. You can retain a private attorney at any time. If you cannot afford an attorney, you must make application to the Court for an appointed attorney for continued legal representation.  You have the right to request bond at this hearing.

IF YOUR CHILD IS DETAINED AT DETENTION HEARING:

a petition will be filed within 72 hours and an adjudication hearing will be scheduled within 10 days thereafter. Disposition shall be held within 30 days. You have the right to request and receive order setting bond. These time limits may be waived by your child.

Delinquent Court Process Continued

IF YOUR CHILD IS RELEASED AT DETENTION HEARING: 

a petition will be filed within 30 days and the adjudication hearing will be scheduled within 60 days unless the time limit is waived by your child.

IF YOUR CHILD IS ACCUSED BUT NOT DETAINED:

If a complaint is being filed against your child and your child is being released by law enforcement, the complaint will be sent to the Clerk of Juvenile Court to be filed. An Intake Officer reviews the complaint and makes a determination for diversion or brought for formal court proceedings. If a petition is filed, an arraignment hearing date will be scheduled, and you will be notified of the date and time. You will receive a summons and petition. The petition will explain exactly what your child is being charged with. It may take a short or long period of time for your child to receive notice of this hearing. You can contact the Clerks Office if you have questions about your charges or court date. If the complaint is diverted, you will be notified by an Intake Officer or by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

AT THE ARRAIGNMENT HEARING:

the Judge will advise your child of his/her rights and ask him/her to give an answer to the charge(s). Your child is presumed to be innocent until the charge is proven beyond a reasonable doubt or an admission is made by your child. Your child has a right to have a trial on the charge against him/her. In Juvenile Court, trials are before the Judge and not before a jury. If your child either denies the charge or remains silent, a trial will be scheduled for a later date. Your child has the right to have an attorney represent him/her. If you cannot afford an attorney, one may be appointed. If you wish to apply for court appointed attorney, call 770-920-7245 for an application. You may be required to reimburse the court for the cost.

 

POSSIBLE DISPOSITIONS IN A  JUVENILE COURT CASE ARE:

  • Dismissal—closes case without intervention

  • Diversion—closes case upon completion of specific requirements set forth by the Diversion Case Worker

  • Informal Adjustment—an informal period of supervision that lasts up to 6 months if ordered by the Court

  • Probation—a formal supervision by a court officer for up to 2 years

  • STP—short term placement in a Youth Detention Center for up to 30 days

  • Commitment—custody is given to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a period of 2 years for state services

  • Designated Felony charges could lead to confinement in a Youth Detention Center for 12 to 60 months. Special conditions and court fees can be ordered.

Children between the ages of 13 and 17 can be charged as an adult for serious offenses. Those cases are heard in Superior Court. There are also other types of cases where a child can be charged with an offense as a juvenile and that case is transferred to Superior Court.

JUVENILE RIGHTS

YOUR CHILD HAS THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS:

  • To have a trial
  • To be represented by an attorney
  • To confront the witnesses against themselves
  • To subpoena witnesses to appear in court
  • To testify and offer evidence in their own defense
  • Not to incriminate themselves or say anything; If they do not say anything, this cannot be held against them
  • To apply for a bond
  • To file appeal