How long do juvenile court proceedings take?

In Washington, juvenile court proceedings typically take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the severity of the offense. Generally, less serious offenses will be resolved within a few court hearings. However, more serious offenses may require multiple hearings and could take up to several months to be resolved. The time it takes is also dependent on the defendant’s age and the nature of the charges. In addition, the court process may be delayed due to the availability of witnesses and legal representation. The court process also varies depending on whether the case is resolved through negotiations between the prosecutor and the defense, or if the case is decided by a judge or jury. Negotiated settlements are typically resolved much faster than trials, while jury trials may take several days or weeks. Finally, juvenile court proceedings may be delayed if the defendant is unable to attend the court hearings, or if the prosecutor makes a request for more time to prepare the case. The court may also grant delays for good cause, such as if the defendant is admitted to a rehabilitation program or if there is a need for additional evidence to be gathered in the case.

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