What is a Nonjudicial Closure?
NonJudicial means no judge is involved. The Intake Officer has the authority to handle some matters without going to court and without involving a judge if it is the youth’s first or second offense. There are some charges that must go before a judge however. If the youth has admitted the charge, and the Intake Officer believes it is appropriate to handle the matter nonjudicially, the youth may be asked to pay a fine, perform community service, pay restitution, or attend counseling. The youth and the minor’s parents sign a contract that the youth agrees to follow through with this voluntary punishment. If the youth fails to complete the contract, the original charge may be filed and the youth goes before a judge.
