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.

Related FAQs

What criminal activities are considered juvenile crimes?
What is the difference between a juvenile court and a family court?
What is the difference between a juvenile delinquency program and a juvenile justice program?
What is the impact of a juvenile offender's criminal record on future job prospects?
What rights do juvenile offenders have in court?
How is the juvenile justice system different from the adult justice system?
What is the difference between a juvenile detention facility and a juvenile residential facility?
What are the primary goals of juvenile law?
Can juveniles be tried as adults?
How are juvenile cases resolved in court?

What is the power of a juvenile court judge?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts