Juvenile Court judges in Bridgeport and Stamford have the authority to send a child who has been arrested to Bridgeport Juvenile Detention. A child is entitled to a lawyer for detention review hearings.
A child ends up in Bridgeport Juvenile Detention in one of two ways:
1. The police.
At the time a child is arrested, the law enforcement can place them in detention if they are charged with a serious juvenile offense.
2. A judge.
A child can also be sent to detention by a Juvenile Court judge during the initial court appearance (arraignment) or if they violate court orders.
No child may be detained after a hearing unless the court determines that:
- There is probable cause to believe that the child has committed the acts alleged,
- There is no less restrictive alternative available,
- There is (i) probable cause to believe that the child will pose a risk to public safety if released to the community prior to the court hearing or disposition; or (ii) a need to hold the child in order to ensure the child’s appearance before the court, as demonstrated by the child’s previous failure to respond to the court process, or (iii) a need to hold the child for another jurisdiction.
How long does a child stay in detention?
A judge must review a child’s stay in detention at least every seven days. At the hearing, the judge will listen to arguments from the Prosecutor and the child’s attorney on the continued need for the child to be detained. A favorable report from detention staff and family support go a long way.
What happens when a child is released from detention?
When a child is released from detention, the judge will impose requirements called conditions of release. For example, a child may be on house arrest, have to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet or submit to drug testing as conditions of release. If they violate these orders, they are back in juvenile detention and usually for much longer.
Please email me or call (203) 259-5251 if you have want further information about Bridgeport Juvenile Detention.