What is a juvenile petition?
A juvenile petition officially charges a juvenile, or minor, with committing a criminal act. Maine Victim Witness Advocates defines it as “a short statement of the facts regarding the alleged crime which is filed in court.”When FiledThe start of the criminal process against juveniles, juvenile petitions are very similar to an adult criminal complaint or arrest warrant. It is filed after the alleged crime has been committed but before the trial.Who FilesEach state has its own laws regarding who can file a juvenile petition. Most states agree that prosecutors can file a juvenile petition. Police officers and the general public can also ask a magistrate or local law enforcement official to file a petition.PurposePetitions notify the court of the specific crime a child is accused of committing. Juvenile petitions also advise a child and her parent/guardian of the basic information needed to defend her.Necessary InformationCertain information must be contained within a juvenile petition.
