Juvenile Case Process

When a youth is arrested and detained or released on house arrest/electronic monitoring - Parents/Guardians and youth will be required to appear at a detention hearing the following business day.  The youth will be represented by the Public Defender's Office at this hearing unless a private attorney is retained.  The detention hearing determines whether the youth will remain detained, released or released on house arrest or electronic monitoring.  Parents/Guardians will typically be contacted within 10-14 business days for an appointment. See "Upon Notification" below.

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When a youth is arrested and released - the case will be processed and assigned to a Probation Officer or Case Manager based on the severity and circumstances of the offense.  Parents/Guardians will be contacted typically within 10-14 business days for an appointment. See "Upon Notification" below

When a youth is issued a citation -  the citation will be forwarded to this department within 7 - 15 business days by the citing police agency. Once received, the citation will be processed and assigned to a Probation Officer or Case Manager based on the severity and circumstances of the offense. Parents/Guardians will typically be contacted within 10-14 business days for an appointment.  See "Upon Notification" below 

Upon notification by our department, the juvenile and one or both Parents/Guardians will be required to meet with a Probation Officer or Case Manager to discuss the offense(s).  Factors such as severity of offense, prior involvement with our department, and the results of risk & needs assessments, will determine if the youth's case will be handled informally or if it will go before the Juvenile Court.  If it is determined that the case will be going before the Juvenile Court, Parents/Guardians will need to contact the Public Defender's Office at 775-337-4800, or a private attorney can be retained.  Please feel free to visit the Public Defender's website for more information.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please call 775-325-7801