How are juvenile cases resolved in court?

In Texas, juvenile cases are resolved in court through a process called adjudication. Adjudication is the legal process that evaluates whether or not a juvenile has committed a delinquent act, and if found guilty, determines an appropriate punishment. In adjudication, the judge may find the juvenile guilty or not guilty of the alleged crime. If the juvenile is found guilty, the court will then determine an appropriate punishment. The judge may opt for non-judicial punishments which include probation, restitution, community service, or a combination of these. If deemed necessary, the judge may also order the juvenile to participate in an educational or mental health program. The court may also order the juvenile to receive counseling or participate in a rehabilitation program. If the judge finds that the offense warrants a more serious punishment, they may also opt for a more punitive approach. This could include incarceration, commitment to a juvenile detention center, or transfer to regular criminal court. In some cases, the judge may order the juvenile to be monitored for a period of time or committed to a secure facility until the juvenile is of legal age. The court may also order the juvenile to pay restitution to the victim as part of their punishment. Restitution may include financial damages, such as medical bills, the replacement of stolen items, or loss of wages. In some cases, the court may also order the juvenile to perform community service or write a letter of apology to the victim.

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How are juvenile cases resolved in court?

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