Generally speaking juvenile delinquency in Connecticut Juvenile Court involves the violation of a state or federal law by someone under the age of 18.  In other words, the police allege they have committed a crime.

The Juvenile Court does not usually use the term felony or misdemeanor.  Instead, the important distinction for a Connecticut delinquency case is whether the alleged offense is a “delinquent act” or a “serious juvenile offense” (SJO).  Check out this blog for a partial list of SJOs.

A delinquency case can be addressed informally by a juvenile probation officer or handled formally in court before a Juvenile Court judge.  The cases that typically go before a judge are the more severe offenses or  if the child has had past referrals to the Juvenile Court.

Here are the possible outcomes for a Connecticut juvenile delinquency case:

  1. A “nolle” where the Prosecutor does not pursue the case.  It can stay open for 13 months.
  2. The case is dismissed (does not stay open for 13 months).
  3. Probation
  4. Suspended Commitment pending satisfactory completion of probation. If probation is not successfully completed, the child’s custody can transferred to DCF for placement in a residential treatment facility, foster care or group home.
  5. Immediate Commitment to DCF for up to 18 months for delinquent act or 4 years for a serious juvenile offsense.

If  a child has been arrested or given summons it is important to have him or her speak to a Juvenile Court lawyer right away.  A lawyer can make sure the police followed protocol, assert the child’s rights and help the family navigate the process.

Please contact me by email or call me at (203) 259-5251 if your child has been charged with a crime and has been summoned to Juvenile Court.

 

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