Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice System

The following steps outlin the procedure that occurs when a juvenile commits a crime.

1) CRIME COMMITTED

2) PETITION IN DELINQUENCY FILED

3) ARREST:

Following an arrest with no detention the Franklin County Juvenile Probation Department will meet with the juvenile and schedule the next hearing. If the arrest results in a detention a detention hearing will be held within 72 hours before a judge to determine if the juvenile should remain detained pending the outcome of the case.

4) TYPES OF HEARINGS:

Consent Decree: A consent decree is an order by the Court that places the juvenile under the supervision of the Franklin County Juvenile Probation Department. If the Juvenile fails to abide by the restrictions imposed it may result in the juvenile being brought back in for an adjudication hearing.

Adjudication Hearing: An adjudication hearing is a proceeding where it is determined if the juvenile committed the offenses for which he has been charged. It is similar to a criminal trial, except there is no jury.