Summit County Juvenile Court (2024)

FAQs

What is the most common outcome in juvenile court for offenses? ›

The most common disposition in the juvenile court system is probation. This option allows the juvenile to remain in the community as long as the individual does not violate his or her probation. Additionally, counseling is generally required.

Probation. By far the most common disposition for youth adjudicated delinquent is probation.

Ohio's laws make public records available for copying and inspection (ORC §149.43). In line with this law, those eligible to view juvenile records in Ohio include: Subjects of the record. Lawyers representing the juvenile.

The juvenile justice process involves nine major decision points: (1) arrest, (2) referral to court, (3) diversion, (4) secure detention, (5) judicial waiver to adult criminal court, (6) case petitioning, (7) delinquency finding/adjudication, (8) probation, and (9) residential placement, including confinement in a ...

Some of the more common juvenile offenses include: theft, larceny, alcohol offenses, disturbing the peace, drug offenses, vandalism, assault, robbery, criminal trespass, harassment, fraud, burglary, loitering, possession of stolen property, possession of weapons and crimes committed on behalf of gangs.

Probation is perhaps the most common penalty in the juvenile justice system. Judges have considerable discretion to set the terms of probation. These may be specific to the circ*mstances of the case.

The potential punishments in juvenile courts can be vast, and are ultimately decided by the judge, if the juvenile is found guilty or admits to the charges. For the juvenile, these punishments can include incarceration, being placed on probation, ordered to complete community service work, counseling, and fines.

If the juvenile may be adjudicated delinquent or sentenced to incarceration, the prosecution has the burden of proving the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. In other situations, the prosecution has the burden of proving the charges by the preponderance of the evidence.

While probation is considered the “workhorse” of the juvenile justice system (according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention), there are other things a judge may consider for the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

If the court seals your record, it will be automatically expunged 5 years later, or on your 23rd birthday (whichever is first). Remember: your juvenile record will not just “go away” when you turn a certain age. You will need to ask the court to seal your record.

How do you seal a juvenile record in Ohio? ›

A person may apply to seal a juvenile record 6 months after the final discharge of the offense (i.e., termination of probation), even if the person is still a juvenile. To seal a juvenile record, obtain and submit the appropriate forms at the Juvenile Clerk of Courts Office.

In Ohio, status offense cases are classified as unruly children and include truancy, disobeying the reasonable control of parents or guardians, and behaving in a manner as to injure the health or morals of the child or others.

Disposition hearing: The hearing in a juvenile case (like a sentencing hearing in criminal court) at which the court receives a predisposition report containing information and recommendations to help determine the appropriate sanction.

Juvenile justice court cases start with the filing of a petition. The Probation Department or the District Attorney can file the petition. A petition asks the court to get involved. It says what the state thinks the youth did.

The juvenile justice process involves seven major decision points: (1) arrest or intake, (2) referral to court, (3) secure detention, (4) waiver to adult criminal court, (5) case petitioning, (6) delinquency finding/adjudication, (7) disposition (including probation, or confinement in a secure correctional facility).

A status offense is a noncriminal act that is considered a law violation only because of a youth's status as a minor. 1 Typical status offenses include truancy, running away from home, violating curfew, underage use of alcohol, and general ungovernability.

Probation has been called the "workhorse" of the juvenile justice system -- according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, probation is the most common disposition in juvenile cases that receive a juvenile court sanction.

Property Crimes

Property crimes such as theft, burglary, and vandalism are among the most common juvenile offenses. Juveniles often engage in these crimes due to peer pressure, boredom, or financial gain.

For a juvenile who is adjudicated and whose petition is sustained (tried and convicted) in juvenile court, the offender can be placed on probation in the community, placed in a foster care or group home, incarcerated in the county's juvenile ranch or camp, or sent to the Youth Authority as a ward of the state.