Potential Resolutions to Juvenile Cases in New Jersey
Here are some potential resolutions/outcomes to Juvenile cases which are held in Superior Court, Family Division in New Jersey.
Juvenile Conference Committee: A Juvenile Conference Committee is comprised of a group of citizens who have been trained to conduct these hearings and volunteer to participate in the panel. These members of the Committee have been appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Family Division in the County in which the juvenile is charged. The parent or guardian, the juvenile, and the complainant or victim are allowed to participate and discuss the alleged charges with the Committee as well as any surrounding factors. The Committe does not determinen the guilt or innocence of the juvenile. This is an informal discussion among the parties in an attempt to achieve a resolution of the matter. The Committee considers the facts and charges and makes a recommendation in order to rehabilitate the minor. This resolution which will be proposed by the committee can include curfew, counseling, community service, evaluation, restitution, etc. If all parties agree on the proposed resolution, an agreement is signed which lays out the conditions and a time frame for them to be completed.
Intake Services Conference: The Intake Services Conference is conducted by a Probation Officer in a Superior Family Court in New Jersey. This conference is very similar to the Juvenile Conference Committee. The Probation Officer will make a recommendation to the parties which may include any of the conditions listed above under the Juvenile Conference Committee.
Formal or Counsel Mandatory Court: A Formal hearing can only be conducted by a Judge in Superior Court, Family Division. In these hearings, the juvenile must be represented by an attorney. The juvenile must plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. If the minor pleads not guilty, a trial will be scheduled. The Judge decides the guilt or innocence of the minor at trial.
Informal/Juvenile Referee or Counsel Non-Mandatory Court: A Juvenile Referee has been approved by the Supreme Court. This individual may be a Judge or a Hearing Officer who oversees this informal proceeding. He or she will review the case and make a recommendation to the Family Court Judge regarding a potential resolution to the matter. If the juvenile's representative or parent disagrees with the recommendation of the Referee, the case will be heard by a Judge at a Formal Court Hearing. At that hearing, the Judge will decide the case and, if he or she finds the juvenile guilty, the Judge will impose a disposition.
