Juvenile Delinquency Cases

  1. File

  1. Pay

  1. Continuance
    (PDF)

  1. Summons

Pre-Adjudicatory Detention

  • Juveniles charged with criminal offenses may be detained in the Juvenile Detention Home in the interest of public safety.
  • Detention Hearings are held daily at 10:30 a.m.

Juveniles not detained prior to trial

  • Parents/guardians and the juvenile will be summoned to court for a juvenile pretrial.
  • Juvenile pretrials occur every Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
  • The judge pretrials juveniles in a group setting.
  • Rights are read, and the youth and parent fill out forms regarding finances to determine if a court-appointed lawyer is appropriate.
  • This is a court proceeding and appropriate court attire is required.

Important Information

Being charged with an offense as a juvenile may have lasting effects. The assistance of a lawyer may be necessary. A lawyer can answer any questions regarding the court process for juvenile delinquency cases.

Adjudications (Trial) to Disposition (Sentencing)

  • Juvenile delinquency trials are typically held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, or 2 p.m.
  • Trials of detained juveniles are typically heard at 11:30 a.m.
  • Serious offenses may not be concluded in the J&DR Court:
    • Virginia Code § 16.1-269.1A allows certain juveniles ages 14 and older to be transferred to the Circuit Court as an adult. Conviction in Circuit Court divests the J&DR court of future jurisdiction.
      • In these situations, a transfer hearing is held in J&DR Court, and if granted, the next stage occurs in Circuit Court. If jurisdiction is retained and transfer is not granted, the case is concluded in J&DR Court.
      • Transfer decisions are appealable within 10 days. (Virginia Code § 16.1-269.4)
    • Virginia Code § 16.1-269.1B and C allows juveniles ages 14 and older charged with certain serious offenses to be certified to the grand jury for trial in the Circuit Court. Conviction in Circuit Court divests the J&DR court of future jurisdiction.
      • In these situations, juveniles can have a preliminary hearing in the J&DR Court, or waive their right to a preliminary hearing and proceed directly to Circuit Court.

Possible sentences for juveniles adjudicated delinquent:

As with all cases before the J&DR District Court, final orders may be appealed within 10 days.