Criminal Cases in Juvenile Court

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Adjudication Hearing: A juvenile criminal proceeding where a Judge determines if the accused offender is delinquent (in violation of the law).

Consent Decree: A judicial decision whereby a juvenile offender's charges are held open for four to twelve months to allow the offender time to correct his/her behavior and begin making positive changes in their life.

Delinquency: The state of being in violation of the law.

Disposition Hearing: A juvenile criminal proceeding where a Judge determines the punishment for the offending youth.

Informal Adjustment: A judicial decision to hold a juvenile offender's case open for three to six months while he/she is supervised and/or receives necessary services.

Intake Conference: The initial proceeding in a juvenile crime case to determine whether or not the offender should be referred to Court. 

Juvenile: A person under 18 years of age.