IN THIS PHOTO: From left to right - Barbara C., Bailiff; Katherine S., Deputy Public Defender; You would sit in the empty seat between the Deputy Public Defender and a parent or guardian; Parents; Mayela T., Translator; Gregory F., Juvenile Probation Officer; Sean C., Deputy County Attorney
Types of Hearings
Although there are many different types of hearings in juvenile court, the three basics are: (1) Advisory; (2) Adjudication and (3) Disposition Hearings.
An Advisory Hearing is the first hearing on a charge and is designed to make sure that the juvenile knows about the charge, the nature of the charge, and to see whether the juvenile wants to admit or deny the charge. The Advisory Hearing begins with the case being called (the case number and juvenile's name is read aloud in open court) and then I will ask for the participants to announce (tell me their names). I will then look to each individual who is involved to tell me their name (including the juvenile) as we go around the courtroom.
If a court-appointed attorney will represent the juvenile currently, in my court, for misdemeanor or felony charges court appointed attorneys are applicable, the court will review an affidavit the juvenile prepared and, if the affidavit is in order, appoint an attorney to represent the juvenile. The court will then make sure the juvenile's name, age, contact information, parents' names, and other information, are listed correctly on the Petition or Citation.