What is the difference between a transfer hearing and an adjudicatory hearing?

Transfer hearings and adjudicatory hearings are two very different types of hearings in juvenile law in South Carolina. Transfer hearings occur when a juvenile has committed an offense that would be considered a crime if an adult were to commit it, and the juvenile’s case is transferred from juvenile court to adult court. During a transfer hearing, the judge hears evidence from both the prosecution and defense and decides whether the juvenile should be tried as an adult or in juvenile court. Adjudicatory hearings, on the other hand, are the equivalent of a trial in juvenile court. At an adjudicatory hearing, the prosecution presents evidence and witnesses to prove that the juvenile committed the offense. The defense then has an opportunity to present witnesses and evidence for the juvenile. After both sides have presented their cases, the judge reviews the evidence presented and makes a determination as to whether or not the juvenile is delinquent. If the judge finds the juvenile delinquent, a disposition hearing is then held to decide what the consequences should be. Overall, transfer hearings are used to decide if a juvenile should face charges in adult court, while adjudicatory hearings are the equivalent to a trial and help decide the outcome of a juvenile’s case.

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What is the difference between a transfer hearing and an adjudicatory hearing?

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