Rusty Haynes
American Intercontinental University
Youth Court Proceeding

Approach to a Juvenile Criminal Case When a juvenile is tried for a criminal act it is considered an act of delinquency not a criminal act depending on the severity of the crime, if considered severe enough they can be tried as an adult. The criminal justice system differs with minors and adults, sentencing with a minor are directed more towards rehabilitation to better serve the best interest of the minor and their future behavior. In Juvenile cases there is a adjudicate hearing to present the evidence to a judge who will then rule on whether the juvenile is delinquent. The crime when considered a non-violent offense and the juvenile has no prior offenses the approach taken is one directed towards future recidivism and rehabilitation (LegalMatch, 2014).

Steps and differences in Juvenile Criminal Case When a juvenile commits an offense they are detained rather than arrested, a petition is then drawn up to serve as the official charging document, jurisdiction of the juvenile court, notice for the reason of court appearance, and as a notice to the family of the juvenile who is detained. Once the court procedure begins there will be an adjudicate hearing to determine if the juvenile is delinquent and what action should be taken after that decision has been made. The adjudicate hearing and sentencing are heard by a judge and do not include a jury since a juvenile does not have the right to a trial of a jury of their peers. To make sure a juvenile is defended fairly they are given the right to an attorney, the right to confront and cross examine witnesses, the privilege to cross examine witnesses, the right to notice of the charges against them, and the prosecution must provide proof of the crime before the juvenile can be convicted (FindLaw, 2014).

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