What to expect if your child has been charged with a crime.
One of the first steps in the juvenile justice process is the detention hearing. At this hearing, a judge will determine if there is enough evidence against the minor to hold trial or if the child should be placed on probation. If trial is imminent, your attorney can work to challenge evidence that the prosecutor may have and aggressively defend your child’s case. Most judges will look into a child’s social life, criminal history, and attendance at school or prior run-ins with the law during a case to determine appropriate sentencing. Based on a judge’s findings, a child may be placed on probation with community service, counseling, and schooling or spend anywhere from 30 days in the Juvenile Temporary Detention Facility to time in a Department of Corrections prison.
The Washington State Juvenile Justice System varies slightly in its proceedings and handling of criminals than the adult justice system.