Livingston County 44th Circuit Court - Juvenile Delinquency Information

Juvenile delinquency proceedings involve juveniles under age 17 charged with a violation of a criminal law or ordinance, or with a status offense. Delinquency proceedings occur within the Family Division of the 44th Circuit Court. If the juvenile is found responsible for the offense, the court may order a juvenile disposition (similar to sentencing in adult court), such as placing the juvenile on probation or committing the juvenile to the custody of the state, which would be called a P.A. 150 commitment.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A COMPLAINT HAS BEEN FILED?

The Juvenile Court has several options on how it can proceed when a petition or complaint is filed.

The Court may:

1) deny authorization of the petition

2) refer the matter to voluntary counseling under the Juvenile Diversion Act. These cases are handled without official action of the Court. No official record is made.

3) Direct the matter for further informal inquiry

4) Place the matter on the consent calendar

5) Place the matter on the formal calendar

WHAT HAPPENS AT A PRELIMINARY HEARING AT JUVENILE COURT?

If a petition is filed at the Juvenile Court you may be called to the Juvenile Court for a Preliminary Hearing. The Prosecution presents evidence from which the Judge or Juvenile Referee decides whether or not there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed by you. At this time, you have the very same rights as you would have if the police were questioning you, and in addition, you have the right to bring witnesses in to testify on your behalf, you may also confront and question those testifying against you. The Judge or Referee may require bail be posted as a condition of your release or you may be ordered into detention pending your trial.

If bond is required, both parents and the youth will be required to sign a bond form indicating understanding of the terms and what may happen if those terms are violated.

FORMAL COURT

When you come to court you are presumed innocent of the charge unless you admit your guilt or the Court or jury finds you guilty. If you deny the charges you may request a trial before the attorney referee or a trial before the Judge either with or without a jury.

At your Court trial you have the right to be represented by a lawyer, you have the right to remain silent, you and/or your lawyer have the right to ask questions of those who accused you; you have the right to bring in witnesses to help prove that you are innocent; and you have the right to testify yourself.

All the parties will be introduced to the Court and the Petition will be read into the Court record. If you admit to the charges in the petition, or the Court or jury decides after the hearing that the allegations are true, the Court will take jurisdiction over you.

Livingston County Juvenile Court
204 S. Highlander Way, Suite 3, Howell, MI 48843
Phone 517.546.1500 - FAX 517.546.3731

Juvenile Court email: juvenilecourt@co.livingston.mi.us