Explain the procedures in juvenile court

The juvenile justice system works to treat and rehabilitate juvenile offenders.  Including diverting the juvenile from the court process through other restorative justice services when possible. In addition, juvenile courts move more quickly to resolve cases and provide the accused more privacy than adults charged with similar crimes.

A crime committed by a juvenile is investigated like any other crime. After the crime is reported, the officer conducts an investigation to decide if there is enough evidence to prove that the juvenile committed the offense. If the officer believes that there is enough evidence, reports are sent to the County Attorney's Office or a citation may be issued.

Next, the County Attorney's staff will review the information, decide whether the evidence supports charges, and, if so, file charges. If there is not enough evidence, the case may be rejected or returned to the officer for additional investigation.