The Juvenile Justice Process in New York Family Court

The juvenile justice process in New York Family Court is a structured approach to dealing with legal issues involving minors. While it shares some similarities with the adult criminal justice system, it also has its own set of procedures and goals, particularly focusing on rehabilitation and ensuring the best interests of the young individuals involved. Understanding this process can be essential for families and their children as they work through the legal challenges presented when a minor is accused of delinquent behavior.

If you’re facing such a situation and need clear, professional guidance, reaching out to a skilled juvenile delinquency attorney can be a significant step in protecting your child’s rights and future. Long Island juvenile delinquency lawyer Jason Bassett can provide the necessary support and advocacy needed when facing juvenile cases in the New York Family Court system. Contact the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. at (631) 259-6060 to schedule a consultation.

At What Ages Are Juveniles Accused Of Committing Crimes Sent To Family Court in New York?

The age range for juveniles sent to Family Court in New York is between 7 years old and 18 years old (16, 17, and 18 year-olds can begin in Adult Criminal Court as “Adolescent Offenders,” however most cases are transferred to Family Court).

What Is The Process For A Juvenile Arrested By The Police?

When a juvenile is arrested, the police must make a good faith effort to contact the child’s parent or guardian. A parent must be present when a child is questioned and the parent must consent to any questioning by the police. A lawyer can also be present if they are requested to be by the child or the parent. While at the police precinct, juveniles are kept in child-only areas. Most children are released to the custody of their parents and issued a Desk Appearance Ticket, which requires them to appear in Family Court approximately one month after their arrest.

When a child is charged with a violent felony, a sex offense, or a crime against a parent, the child is handcuffed and brought to court that day or the next day for arraignment. However, children are not taken to adult jails. If a child is brought to court immediately and detained by a judge, then the child is taken to a juvenile detention facility. To speak with a top-rated Long Island criminal lawyer, call us today at (631) 259-6060.

How Do The Procedures For Juveniles In Family Court Compare To Those in For Adults in Criminal Court?

The goal of the juvenile justice system in Family Court in New York is to provide treatment and probation supervision for children in need, along with confinement if necessary. Unlike adults convicted of committing criminal offenses, children do not leave the juvenile justice system with a criminal record. The juvenile justice system in Family Court has many of the same procedures as those found in the adult justice system in New York. Lawyers are also required to defend children in the juvenile justice system. Unlike in Adult Criminal Court, cases involving juvenile offenders in Family Court must be handled within 60 days of an arraignment. Perhaps the single biggest difference from Adult Criminal Court is that there are no juries in Family Court and thus all cases are decided by a judge.

What is a Juvenile Trial Like in New York?

In New York, a juvenile trial unfolds distinctly from adult proceedings and is formally known as a “fact-finding hearing.” This critical phase operates similarly to a criminal trial but is conducted without a jury. Instead, a judge assumes the role of both jury and arbiter, determining whether the juvenile (referred to as the “child” in court) has committed the acts alleged in the petition.

At the outset of the juvenile process, if there’s a possibility that the child will be detained, the court may hold a “probable cause” hearing. This initial hearing assesses whether there is sufficient reason (“probable cause”) to detain the child while awaiting the fact-finding hearing. Notably, unlike the adult system, there is no option for bail in these cases; the Family Court does not set bail for juveniles.

Prior to the fact-finding hearing, other preparatory sessions may take place, particularly concerning the evidence the presentment agency intends to introduce. The presentment agency, which is responsible for presenting the case against the juvenile, is obligated to share certain police reports and documents with the defense attorney. This disclosure is a legal requirement designed to ensure that the child’s lawyer has the necessary information to build a defense.

The absence of a jury, the prohibition of bail, and the focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment underpin the distinct nature of a juvenile trial in New York. These elements combine to create a process aimed at serving the best interests of the child while also addressing the legal dimensions of the alleged delinquent acts.

What Is The Purpose Of Not Having Jury Trials for Juveniles in Family Court?

One reason they don’t have juries for juveniles in Family Court is the impression that a jury trial might compromise the confidentiality of these cases. The overarching concern in all Family Court matters is the best interests of the child, even more so than the adjudication of guilt or innocence. It is thought that a trained judge is better equipped to make a determination as to the best interests of a child.

What Are the Alternative Sentences To Jail For Juveniles In New York?

In New York, a child found to be responsible for a crime can be granted what’s known as an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal, which dismisses the case after six months of good behavior. The child can be given a Conditional Discharge, which requires the child to stay out of trouble for one year or face re-sentencing. A child can receive a period of Probation Supervision, during which the child must report to a probation officer, undergo psychological treatment, and, if necessary, receive drug and alcohol addiction counseling. There can be a period of confinement in a juvenile detention center. Juvenile detention centers can either be non-secure, which involves a school-like setting with an open campus, or secure, which is more like a like a jail for strictly juvenile offenders.

Aspects of Juvenile Justice	Family Court (Juveniles)
Age Range	7-18 years old
Court Processes	No juries, judge decides cases, must conclude within 60 days of arraignment
Record Sealing	Cases are sealed and do not appear on an adult criminal record
Legal Representation	Mandatory legal representation for children
Sentencing Alternatives	Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal, Conditional Discharge, Probation, Juvenile Detention (non-secure or secure)
Aims	Treatment and rehabilitation focus

Do Juvenile Convictions Automatically Drop Off Your Record Or Do They Stay On There?

If a case has gone through the juvenile system in Family Court, the matter is automatically sealed and does not appear as part of any adult criminal record.

Under What Circumstances Can A Juvenile Be Prosecuted in Adult Criminal Court?

For certain very serious charges, a child may be deemed a “Juvenile Offender” and prosecuted as an adult. A 13 year old child charged with Murder in the Second Degree under certain circumstances may be prosecuted in Adult Criminal Court. Children 14 or 15 years old may be prosecuted as adults under certain circumstances for the following crimes: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Arson in the First Degree, Arson in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Attempted Kidnapping in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Burglary in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (if on school grounds), Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, Kidnapping in the First Degree, Manslaughter in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree, Rape in the First Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, and Robbery in the Second Degree.

When During The Process Should A Parent Hire A Lawyer For Their Child?

As early as possible! The police often tell parents that the judge will assign a lawyer for their child when they go to court, and thus their child does not need an attorney while they’re interrogated. This might be in the bests interests of the police, but it is certainly not in the child’s best interests. A child, just like an adult, needs an attorney at the earliest stages of a case. Children with an attorney at the very beginning have a far greater chance of never even having to go to court, and if they do end up going to court they have a much greater chance of not being convicted. Hiring an experienced attorney as soon as possible for your child can save their future.

If My Child Intends To Plead Guilty To A Minor Offense, Should I Still Hire An Attorney?

You should hire an attorney if your child has been charged with committing a crime, no matter how minor. It can make the difference between your child being incarcerated or instead going home with you.

Who is a Juvenile Delinquent?

A “juvenile defendant” is a person under 16, but at least 7 years old, who has committed an offense that would be a crime if he/she were an adult. The person is then considered to be in danger of being taken into custody, treated, or monitored. A “delinquent” act is the act that was committed. Family Court hears all juvenile delinquency cases. Children aged 13-14 years may be treated as adults if they are convicted of more serious or violent crimes. These cases can be heard in Supreme Court. However, they may sometimes be transferred into the Family Court. The child can be convicted and subject to harsher penalties than a juvenile offender.

What is a Fact-Finding Hearing at New York Juvenile Court?

A juvenile delinquency case is handled in the same way as an adult case. The matter will proceed to a fact-finding hearing if the child’s lawyer cannot reach a settlement with Corporation Counsel or get an “adjustment for their client”. New York juvenile cases go through what is called a “fact-finding hearing” just like adult criminal courts.

The New York Juvenile court process for fact-finding is very similar to an adult criminal trial. Adult criminal cases are decided by either the judge or the jury. There are no juries in New York Juvenile Court cases. A judge presides over the case and determines whether the juvenile is guilty or innocent on the delinquency petition. Corporation Counsel must prove their case beyond reasonable doubt for each element of the crime, just like Criminal Court.

For more information on Juvenile Offenses In New York, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (631) 259-6060 today.

Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer | Criminal Attorney Jason Bassett Armvm_andrei https://jbassettlaw.com/the-juvenile-justice-process-in-new-york-family-court/ The Juvenile Justice Process in New York Family Court

from Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer | Criminal Attorney Jason Bassett https://jbassettlaw.com/the-juvenile-justice-process-in-new-york-family-court/