Each state has its own procedural rules.  Using the example of Alabama:

• The case begins with a complaint against the juvenile, filed in juvenile court.
• The juvenile probation officer reviews the complaint and decides whether a formal complaint will be filed with the court. The officer notifies the child and the parents of their right to have an attorney present at all hearings.
• The officer decides whether the child may be released to the parents or placed in juvenile custody.
• Hearings must be held within 72 hours.
• At this hearing the juvenile judge decides whether to release or detain the child.
• Ultimately the case will go before the court if the case is not dismissed.
• The child may be assigned to perform community service, be placed on probation or be required to pay restitution.
• The child will be returned to his or her parents unless the court finds the child to be a serious juvenile offender.
• If the child is classified as a serious juvenile offender, he or she may be required to spend a minimum of one year in a Dept. of Youth Services Facility.
• At the end of one year a panel will review the case, either extending the time in the facility or releasing the child.
• If the child is 14 or older and commits an act “that would constitute a felony if it were committed by an adult,” the district attorney may petition the juvenile court to transfer the case to adult court for criminal prosecution.
• Once in adult court, juvenile court no longer has jurisdiction over the child.
• The juvenile has 14 days to appeal the juvenile court’s decision.

Juvenile cases are heard in state juvenile court. Cases are heard by the court, without a jury. Juveniles are afforded the same constitutional protections as adults:

• To know the exact nature of the allegations
• To be represented by a lawyer
• The right to a speedy trial
• The right to confront witnesses against him
• The right to cross examine witnesses
• To right to obtain witnesses or evidence
• To introduce evidence on his own behalf
• Cannot be forced to testify against himself
• State must prove that the defendant committed the delinquent act charged against him beyond a reasonable doubt
• The court can appoint an attorney on the juvenile’s behalf
• The juvenile can waive his right to counsel if the waiver is joined by his parents or guardian
• The court hears the case and the court decides the guilt or innocence of the juvenile

There are signs that may give clues to a juvenile that may be at high risk of participating in illegal conduct.

• Early aggressive behavior
• Restlessness and concentration problems
• Substance abuse
• Association with antisocial peers
• Participation in unstructured leisure activities

Families, schools and communities can add to the risk of juvenile delinquency.  Below are examples of conditions known to lead to this type of behavior.

• Childhood maltreatment
• Ineffective or dysfunctional parenting
• Parental criminality
• Truancy and dropping out of school
• Exposure to community violence
• Poverty

There are also factors that help protect young people from going down the wrong path including:

• Strong feelings of accountability or perceived risk of punishment for misbehavior
• Attachments to family or family support
• Parental monitoring
• Positive social activities
• High academic achievement or school connectedness
• Low neighborhood crime rate

As a parent, it may not be possible to give all of these to your child.  The important thing is to control what you can to give your children the best chance to avoid making mistakes that could put them in juvenile court.

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Juvenile Justice Bulletin, Office of Justice Programs