This is the reason why the judge has the major say in juvenile court and proceedings. (Web source, www.sgc.wa.gov. Retrieved 12/10/11) A disposition is basically a sentencing by a judge/commissioner in a case involving a juvenile delinquent. A disposition can consist of community service, probation, therapy, the juvenile can be placed in a foster house, or placed in drug treatment. The judge can place multiple “sentences” on a single offense.
Most cases are referred by law enforcement but some cases can also be refereed by the school, parents, social services, and victims. When the case is referred to the juvenile court typically an intake officer or in some states a prosecutor will determine whether the case goes further, is dismissed, is diverted to a program or is filed as an adult offense. If the intake officer determines that the case must be sent to the juvenile court it must be submitted as a petition, in which the case is now to be handled by the court. If the case progresses an adjudication hearing will be held which is much like an adult hearing. Once a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent, the judge then choses a disposition which usually is probation but there are other options such as juvenile halls, boot camps, group homes, youth correctional facilities and so on.
They can release the minor with a verbal warning, issue citation and have the minor or the parents sign a promise to appear in front of a probation officer at the juvenile center or they may transport the minor to a juvenile intake center. Once at a juvenile intake center, they will meet with an intake officer. An intake officer is an individual who receives, reviews, and processes incidents in which a minor has committed an offense. After review, the intake officer can recommend either handling the case informally or scheduling the case for a hearing in juvenile court. In many situations, the intake officer provides recommendations to the juvenile judge as to the form of reprimand the offender should receive.
A juvenile probation officer is responsible for giving supervision to minors either on probation or parole. This includes making visits to their homes to make sure they are following the orders given to them by the courts. Also, you will be required to assist in their treatment by conduction meetings with their families to gather information on their background. You will use the information you gather to compile reports to help influence what the court’s decision on what is in the best interest for each individual. (Torbet, 1996) To become a Juvenile Probation Officer it is usually required to have a bachelor's or a master's degree in criminal justice, psychology or a related area to work in this field.
What adverse impact(s) can you envision for our criminal justice system if pleas were not allowed? Cite a source or sources in support of your position. ------------------------------------------------- Prosecutors use 3 basic types of plea bargains with defendants in the United States. 1. Defendants may plead to a lesser offense.
The judge will determine if the prosecution of defense has a stronger argument B. Defendants are released if enough evidence is not provided at preliminary hearing III. Arraignment A. Defendants are formally charged with the crime they are being held for B. The defendant enters a plea 1.
The U.S. criminal court system is an adversarial process. The adversarial process uses defense attorneys and prosecutors to represent the positions of two opposing families. The process places the burden on the prosecutor, who must prove to a jury that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense attorney argues for the innocence, as well as the legal protections, of the accused. The judge, a disinterested party, ensures that the two sides play by the rules.
At the preliminary hearing, it is determined if there is probable cause. Either the state prosecutor or a grand jury decides whether the case goes forward. If it does, the defendant is arraigned. They are again notified of their rights and asked to enter a plea. Adjudication (trial, basically) occurs to determine guilt or innocence.
Depending on the crime: misdemeanor, felony, or petty offense; punishment is rendered after a conviction is determined. Mitigation by the defense attorney occurs prior to sentencing. According to The Law Offices of Patrick Maher (n.d.), “after a guilty finding, the judge gives the attorney an opportunity to speak on behalf of the client. This is called mitigation, defined as “to make less severe.” This is a very important part of the process and can have a dramatic impact on the judge’s decision.” The crime and circumstance dictates punishment and sentencing. Punishment can include probation, imprisonment, community service, and fines.
Bail is typically determined by a judicial official. Determining if bail should be should be granted is a different circumstance, however. Judges determine whether or not an individual should remain in police custody or have the option to pay a bail fee to be free from police custody during future court proceedings. A