Juvenile Court Basics

Question 1

Felony?

Answer 1

Very Serious Charges

Question 2

Witnesses?

Answer 2

Either side can have them and they are considered evidence.

Question 3

Court Reporter?

Answer 3

He or She records everything said in court

Question 4

Defendant?

Answer 4

The person charged with the crime.

Question 5

Guilty or Responsible Plea?

Answer 5

Gives away your rights.

Question 6

What does the Judge do?

Answer 6

• Decides Guilt or Innocence
• Makes attorneys play by the rules
• Punish liars
• Protect your rights
• Determine consequences

Question 7

No contest Plea

Answer 7

Confused??
Don’t Know??
Gives away your rights

Question 8

Decision Types

Answer 8

• Not Guilty
• Responsible
• Dismissed

Question 9

Trial or Adjudication

Question 10

Opening Statements

Answer 10

At the trial or adjudication each attorney tells a story of what happened

Question 11

Presents Evidence

Answer 11

At the trial or adjudication
- Each attorney tries to prove the story and evidence and witnesses are presented

Question 12

Closing Arguments

Answer 12

At the trial or adjudication
- Each attorney will argue that they proved their story

Question 13

Dismissed with Prejudice

Answer 13

You cannot be tried again for the crime

Question 14

Dismissed without Prejudice

Answer 14

The charge can come back

Question 15

Not Guilty Plea

Answer 15

You are claiming your innocence

Question 16

Miranda Rights

Answer 16

When you are detained (arrested)
- Remain Silent
- Anything you say can be used against you
- Talk to a lawyer before and during questioning
- Have an attorney appointed if you cannot afford one

Question 17

Attorneys (Lawyers/Counsel)

Answer 17

ONE WILL WORK FOR DEFENDANT
(YOU)

ONE WILL WORK FOR THE STATE (PROSECUTOR)

Question 18

Defense Attorney

Answer 18

• WORKS FOR THE DEFENDANT
• HE OR SHE CAN BE A PUBLIC DEFENDER
• TRIES TO PROVE THAT YOU ARE NOT GUILTY

Question 19

Prosecutor

Answer 19

WORKS FOR THE STATE
TRIES TO PROVE THAT YOU ARE GUILTY

Question 20

Disposition (Sentencing) Hearing

Answer 20

Punishment / Consequences

Question 21

Physical Evidence

Question 22

Misdemeanor

Answer 22

MINOR CHARGES -
Hitting or kicking someone
Threatening to hit or kick someone
Drawing on a wall or desk
Shoplifting
Punching a hole in a wall

Question 23

Confidentiality

Answer 23

Kept between you and your attorney

Question 24

Probation Officer

Answer 24

Keeps track of your behavior while you are on Probation

Question 25

Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)

Answer 25

A special attorney who looks after your needs

Housing, Care, and helps with welfare

Question 26

Court Clerk

Answer 26

Swears in Parties
Stores Evidence
Schedules Hearings

Question 27

Bailiff

Answer 27

Makes sure everyone behaves in the courtroom

Question 28

Jury

Answer 28

This is not available in Juvenile Court

Question 29

Types of Evidence

Answer 29

• Physical Evidence (objects)
• Testimonial Evidence (Testimony by Witnesses)

Question 30

Verdict

Answer 30

Made by the judge n juvenile court.

Made by the Jury in Adult court.

Question 31

Plea

Answer 31

This is your answer to whatever the charge(s) is/are.

There are four types

Question 32

Probation consequences

Answer 32

May include:
- Go to School
- Get a Job
- Be Home @ Certain TImes
- Don’t Fight with Parents
- Avoid Certain People
- Drug Screen/Test
- Be in a Treatment Program
- Live in a Group Home
- Do Community Service
- Obey Curfew

Question 33

Your Rights

Answer 33

• Plead Not Guilty
• Remain Silent
• Have Trial
• Confront Witnesses
• Present Evidence

Question 34

Adjudication Hearing

Answer 34

The Trial

Question 35

Incorrigibility

Answer 35

A Status Offense (only juveniles are arrested for these)

• Truancy
• Running Away From Home
• Curfew
• Liquor/Drug Possession/Use
• Not Following Reasonable Parental Rules