JUVENILE JUSTICE

Department of Juvenile Justice (301) 279-1580
Courthouse Sq. First Floor, Rockville, MD 20850

This is the executive department of State Government responsible for the care and treatment of those referred youths who are (or alleged to be) delinquent or status offenders.

JUVENILE JUSTICE TERMINOLOGY

The Juvenile Justice System uses different terminology than the Criminal Justice System.

Juvenile Justice focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment as criminal justice proceedings do. Juvenile records are not made public. A juvenile is a person under the age of 18. Some of the terms used in Juvenile Justice Proceedings are:

Delinquent Act - an act, which would be a crime if, committed by an adult.

Status Offense - Actions that would not constitute a crime if the actor were an adult, for example truancy.

Child In Need of Assistance - (CINA) Children can be found to be in need of assistance if the child's parents or guardian's are unable or unwilling to give necessary and proper care to the juvenile.

Child In Need of Supervision - (CINS) Children can be found to be in need of supervision for behaviors such as being out of control and truancy without necessarily committing a delinquent act.

Detention Hearing - a hearing held if a juvenile is considered dangerous or his/her well-being is threatened at which time the court decides whether the juvenile should be detained or released from custody. Analogous to pre-trial release or bail hearing.

Adjudicatory Hearing - a hearing held to determine whether or not the child will be found to be delinquent. Analogous to an adult criminal trial

Disposition Hearing - If the juvenile is found to be delinquent, the judge will hold this hearing to review the juveniles history and determine what action the court will take. Analogous to adult criminal sentencing.

Restitution Hearing - if a juvenile is found to be delinquent a hearing at which the judge determines what if any restitution to a victim the juvenile must pay.

For more information on Juvenile Justice or your case, contact the Montgomery County Department of Juvenile Justice at (301) 279-1580

VICTIM INFORMATION AND SERVICES

COMMENTS & QUESTIONS

POLICE HOME PAGE