What happens first in a juvenile criminal matter?
The manner in which an individual is dealt with by the juvenile justice system depends upon the individual, his/her prior contacts with the system, and the seriousness of the offense. If an individual is arrested, they can be released to the parents or guardian on a citation or transported to the juvenile hall. If the minor is held in custody he is said to be “detained”. If arrested and detained, the minor will meet with a probation officer who will determine whether to keep that minor in custody until their court date, release the individual without requesting the District Attorney’s Office to file a petition, permit the minor to go home and request the District Attorney’s Office to file a petition, or to detain the minor in Juvenile Hall until their next court date. If the probation officer decides to keep the minor in custody a petition will usually be filed within 48 hours of their arrest. Once the petition is filed, the first court appearance will be scheduled for the next court d
