Juvenile Justice-5 Questions

Question 1

Determinate commitment?

Answer 1

-Applies to certain crimes covered under the code of Virginia
-Allows a sentence of up to 7 years or up to age 21
-These commitments are reserved for “serious offenders.”

Question 2

Indeterminate Commitment

Answer 2

-Commitments are determined by the Department of Juvenile Justice(DJJ)

Question 3

What are the Core Initiatives?

Answer 3

Expand
Support
Build Trust
Address
Resources

EXPAND-reentry vocational programs, workforce development and mentoring to provide resources to encourage a positive path of returning to the community;
SUPPORT-successful community programs and create new initiatives that will address the current concerns of the Commonwealth;
BUILD TRUST:with our law enforcement and judicial partners to ensure youth are placed in the best possible, most effective programs;
ADDRESS:the concerns highlighted in the 2021 JLARC report, which focused on recidivism for our most serious offenders; and
RESOURCES:created to support victims and families, including those with Limited English Proficiency or disabilities, who have been impacted by violent crime.

Question 4

What are the steps in the Virginia Juvenile System?

Answer 4

Step 1-Offense committed
Step 2-Police notified
Step 3-Intake/magistrate
Step 4-Formal action
Step 5-Arraignment/Detention hearing
Step 6-Adjudicatory hearing
Step 7-Disposition hearing
Step 8- Appeal
Step 9-DJJ Commitment
Step 10-Juvenile Correctional Center/CPP/Alternative placement
Step 11-Parole
Step 12-Discharge

Question 5

What are the Guiding Principles?

Answer 5

Safety
Connection
Purpose
Fairness

⭐️DJJ emphasizes four cornerstones of positive youth development, which include feeling SAFETY in their environment, a strong sense of CONNECTION to one’s community and supportive family members and/or adults, a belief in the PURPOSE to strive toward skills, education, treatment, vocational training or actual work, and a sense of FAIRNESS in the accountability, consequences and opportunities one receives in response to their actions.

Question 6

Juvenile Court System Exercise: Court System Components

Answer 6

CIRCUIT COURTS: Handles both civil & criminal cases; only court that can use a jury.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY: Provide administrative support for Courts and magistrates.
J & DR DISTRICT COURTS: Handles juveniles accused of delinquent acts, traffic infractions or status offenses.
SUPREME COURT of VIRGINIA: Serves as court of last resort; supervises and administers the entire court system; reviews decisions of lower courts.
MAGISTRATES: Issue warrants, summonses, bonds & subpoenas.
GENERAL DISTRICT COURTS: Handles civil, traffic & misdemeanor criminal cases.
CLERK: Processes case papers, court records, etc.
INTAKE OFFICERS: Make decision whether to take formal/Informal action➡️Petition
COURT of APPEALS:Hears appeals from lower courts.