What are the differences between Adult Court and Juvenile Court?

In Juvenile Court, cases are heard by a judge, not a jury. However, the same Rules of Evidence that apply in Adult Court apply in Juvenile Court. In cases where a juvenile is alleged to have committed a criminal offense or is alleged to be truant or uncontrollable, the prosecution must prove that the charge is true by proof beyond a reasonable doubt. In cases where a child has been abused or neglected by a parent or when the child is a dependent child, the prosecution must prove that the charges are true by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that the charge is more likely true than not true.

The main differences between Adult Court and Juvenile Court occur at the Sentencing or Disposition phase of the proceedings. In Juvenile Court, the Judge cannot sentence an individual to a term of incarceration or fine the individual a certain amount of money.

Penalties

Possible penalties for juvenile offenses range from:

  1. Being placed on probation and remaining in the parental home under certain conditions
  2. Court ordered treatment and/or placement in a foster home, group home or other residential placement
  3. Commitment to the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (Kearney or Geneva)

In abuse or neglect cases, the parent(s) is ordered to participate in a plan of services designed to correct the conditions of abuse or neglect.

Show All Answers

1. What are the various types of filings in Juvenile Court, and what do they mean?
2. What are the differences between Adult Court and Juvenile Court?
3. What do the various court terms in Juvenile Court mean?
4. My child was referred to the County Attorney for a criminal offense. What happens now?
5. Are there other options for juvenile offenders other than going to Juvenile Court?
6. I'm a victim of a crime being prosecuted in Juvenile Court. How do I get restitution?
7. I'm a victim of a crime and had some of my property seized by the police during their investigation. How do I get my property back?
8. My child ran away or is frequently out of control. What can I do?