How are juvenile cases resolved in court?

In North Carolina, juvenile cases are resolved in court in various ways, depending on the circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, dismissal, adjudication, diversion, probation, or transfer to adult criminal court. Dismissal is when the court dismisses the case without any action being taken. Adjudication is when the court finds the youth guilty of the offense. Diversion is when the court opts to provide the youth with an alternative sentence outside the court system such as community service or counseling. Probation is when the court imposes a sentence and instructs the youth to adhere to specific terms or conditions; failure to comply with these terms may lead to the court revoking or modifying the probation sentence. Lastly, transfer to adult criminal court is when the court transfers the case to adult court with the goal of subjecting the youth to more severe penalties than they would have otherwise faced in juvenile court. At the end of the trial, the court will consider several factors, such as the youth’s prior criminal history, the severity of the crime, and the harm or damage caused by the offense when determining the most appropriate sentence. The court’s ultimate goal is to help juveniles build a better future for themselves, while also holding them accountable for their actions.

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How are juvenile cases resolved in court?

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