What is an informal juvenile hearing?

An informal juvenile hearing is a process that is used in Washington state to handle delinquency cases involving minor criminal offenses committed by those under 18 years of age. It is an alternative to formal proceedings like a juvenile court hearing that can result in a juvenile being adjudicated delinquent. A hearing in front of a juvenile court judge is seen as a more severe punishment. At an informal juvenile hearing, a law enforcement officer, prosecutor and juvenile probation officer are present with the young person and their parents or guardian. The prosecutor presents the evidence and the juvenile has an opportunity to dispute any charges. The law enforcement officer or probation officer will then serve as the judge and decide how the juvenile can be held accountable. Usually, the juvenile will be asked to enter into an informal adjustment agreement, where the young person agrees to certain conditions, such as community service, or a curfew, for a certain period of time. Informal juvenile hearings allow for the young person to remain in the community and avoid being adjudicated delinquent, which can have lasting consequences. It’s also an opportunity for the juvenile to take responsibility for their actions, but in a much less formal setting than going to court.

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What is an informal juvenile hearing?

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