When a child under 18 is arrested in Bridgeport and the surrounding towns, they are summoned to Bridgeport Juvenile Court.
Here is a brief summary of the process:
Initial plea date/Arraignment
This is the date referenced on the Summons. A judge will advise the child of the following:
- The right to remain silent;
- The right to an attorney;
- The right to have an attorney present during any questioning;
- The right to a trial.
The child’s attorney will enter a plea of “not guilty” or if the child is without an attorney, the Court will enter the plea.
The case will be assigned a pre-trial conference at which time the child will need an attorney.
Pre-trial conference
This is the usually the first opportunity for the child’s attorney to speak with a Prosecutor. The talking points will be: the police report and other statements from people with knowledge of the case, the child’s arrest and conviction history, the availability of any programs that would resolve the case if successfully completed and the potential for reduced charges including the possibility of resolving the case through a plea agreement.
Additional court dates/Trial
If an agreement is reached at the pre-trial conference, future court dates will be assigned as necessary. An appearance before a judge is required if the child is receiving probation. Other court dates may be scheduled to ensure that the child has satisfied certain agreed upon requirements in exchange for a nolle or a dismissal.
If the child maintains their innocence or if the Prosecutor offers a “deal” that does not seem reasonable, the case will be scheduled for additional pretrials, which may also include a judge. Eventually, the case may proceed to trial.
A juvenile court record may have potential consequences that follow a child into their adult life. Decisions to accept a “deal” cannot be taken lightly.
Please email me or call (203) 259-5251 if you would like to discuss your legal options in the Juvenile Court if your child has been arrested.