Is the general public and the press allowed in Juvenile Court?
No. The U.S. Constitution requires “public” trials, but most authorities agree that this does not apply to juvenile proceedings. Perhaps it should; but presently it doesn’t. This may change in the future; we shall see. Only persons who have official business with a case are allowed to be in court for that case. Witnesses cannot remain to hear the testimony of other witnesses. Victims of delinquent acts may have special rights. The victim, the victim’s parents, or the victim’s court-appointed advocate, cannot be excluded from Court except upon the Judge’s order. Victims may also request restitution from the delinquent offender, although recovery from insurance or a lawsuit may still be pursued. Contact an attorney for more details. Juvenile records are mostly confidential. However, they are not totally secret, and can be shared between various State and Federal agencies.
Related Questions
- COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEYS / PUBLIC DEFENDER Q. If I plan to deny a juvenile delinquency charge, how can I determine if I qualify for public defender?
- Does a criminal charge transferred to the juvenile court still appear on my Maryland arrest and court public record?
- Is the general public and the press allowed in Juvenile Court?
