What is the power of a juvenile court judge?

In Washington, juvenile court judges have the power to hear cases involving minors accused of committing a crime. This includes determining guilt or innocence and passing sentences on those found guilty. The judge also has the discretion to decide on whether a minor should be tried in the juvenile court or in the adult criminal court setting. In Washington, juvenile court judges have a wide discretion when it comes to sentencing and dispositions of juvenile cases. Depending on the facts of the case, the judge can order a variety of treatment including probation, mandatory counseling, community service, drug and alcohol testing, restitution, and even incarceration. In addition, juvenile court judges have the power to order protective services for victims and to order restitution for damages caused by the minor. Depending on the severity of the offense, the judge can transfer the minor’s case to an adult criminal court, in which case the minor would be tried as an adult and subject to adult sentences. Overall, the power of a juvenile court judge is to ensure justice is served and to make decisions that will be beneficial for both the minor and the victim. The judge is tasked with balancing the punishment and rehabilitation of the minor in order to ensure future compliance with the law.

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What is the power of a juvenile court judge?

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