Juvenile crimes are crimes committed by someone under the age of 18. Other than the age offender, there is no difference between juvenile crimes and other crimes. That difference, however, largely impacts the way a case is prosecuted.
Filing Charges
When a juvenile commits a criminal act, the incident is investigated by the local police agency that then refers the case to one of two agencies. If the committed offense would be considered a Class B or Class C misdemeanor or a simple infraction in adult proceedings, the matter is referred to the juvenile court where the juvenile is required to meet with a Juvenile Intake Probation Officer. That officer will then decide whether the case can be handled non-judicially or whether a youth offender needs see a judge or commissioner. If the intake officer feels the offender doesn’t need to see a judge or commissioner, the case is resolved through an agreement with the Court’s Intake Probation Department. If the intake officer feels that the juvenile should meet with a judge or commissioner, a formal charging document (called a Petition) is filed with the juvenile court.
If the offense would be considered a Class A Misdemeanor or a Felony when committed by an adult, a Petition is filed with the juvenile court directly. In that circumstance, the investigating law enforcement agency brings the case the Juvenile Team of the DA’s Office. The Juvenile Team then reviews the case, decides what charges to file, and files the Petition with the Juvenile Court.
Juvenile Court Process
Once a Petition has been filed with Juvenile Court, an arraignment is held and the juvenile is given the opportunity to admit to or deny the allegations contained in the petition. If the youth denies the allegations, the case is set for further pretrial proceedings and/or trial. If the youth admits to the allegations, or if a Juvenile Court judge finds the allegations to be true after a trial, the juvenile is considered under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court and the case proceeds to disposition (similar to sentencing in adult court).
At disposition, the judge considers a number of established guidelines, the facts of the current case, and a juvenile’s history in determining appropriate sanctions. Those sanctions may include: probation supervision, placement of the child with the Division of Child and Family Services or Juvenile Justice Services, payment of restitution and fines, community service, placement in a secure facility, and others. Such sanctions are usually decided upon after completion and review of a pre-dispositional report. This report is helpful in helping judges find the most appropriate methods to rehabilitate youth offenders.
See the juvenile court process here.
Victim Resources
Juvenile Division phone number 366-7874
Juvenile Court phone numbers 238-7700 (Matheson Courthouse)
233-9700 (West Jordan Courthouse)
Useful Links
Utah State Juvenile Courts website
Juvenile Justice Services website
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