I. Introduction

Question 1

What is the primary goal of the juvenile delinquency system?

Answer 1

Rehabilitation

Question 2

Offenses committed by children are called _______________ acts, not crimes. It includes acts that would be misdemeanors or felonies punishable by incarceration if committed by adults.

Answer 2

Delinquent

Question 3

Children in delinquency proceedings have many of the same _________________ rights as adults charged with crimes. They have the right to an attorney, cross-examination, protection from self-incrimination and double-jeopardy, and proof beyond a _____________________. The two rights they do not get are:

Answer 3

Due process
Reasonable doubt

Right to bail
Right to jury trial

Question 4

Fourth Amendment Search and Seizure principle apply, except:

Answer 4

1. A lower “reasonable suspicion” standard is enough for searches by school officials at public schools.
2. Different analysis for admissibility of confessions - based on totality of the circumstances, including age.

Question 5

The ____________ Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over delinquency proceedings. These cases are often heard in the ______________ division of the ____________ Court.

Answer 5

Circuit
Juvenile
Circuit

Question 6

Children under the age of ______ when they commit a delinquent act are first referred to Juvenile court.

Answer 6

18

Question 7

Once a child is charged with a delinquent act, the court retains jurisdiction to dispose of the case until a child turns _______. The Court retains jurisdiction over a child on _______________ until the child reaches 19 years of age, and over a child committed to the department until the child reaches _______ years of age.

Answer 7

19
Probation
21

Question 8

The ___________________ prosecutes delinquency cases.

Answer 8

State Attorney

Question 9

Is a child entitled to counsel? If so, when?

Answer 9

A child is entitled to counsel at all stages of delinquency proceedings. A child (and parent) who is indigent is entitled to court-appointed counsel.

Question 10

What is the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)? What does it do?

Answer 10

DJJ plays a big role in recommending whether a case should go forward (intake); providing the court a numerical score that determines whether the child should be released or detained (detention); and in sentencing (disposition). The DJJ also runs assessment centers (for intake and screening), detention centers and commitment programs.

Question 11

What hearings or event are involved in delinquent proceedings? Timeframe?

Answer 11

1. Custody (arrest)
2. Detention Hearing - 24 hours from arrest
3. Arraignment
4. Adjudication (trial) - 21 days from detention
5. Disposition (sentencing) - 15 days from adjudication