The agreement always requires that the child admit the charges. Typically, if a child obeys the conditions of the informal adjustment a petition is not filed and the child is released from the oversight of the juvenile court. The filing of a petition triggers formal court proceedings. The petition contains allegations of the child s delinquent acts. Depending the nature of the alleged delinquent act there may be a detention hearing to determine if the child should be placed or retained in detention.
Most petitions proceed to adjudicatory hearings.
An adjudicatory hearing is a court hearing to determine if the allegations in the petition are supported by evidence. The case is presented by the county attorney. The child has the right to be represented by counsel. If the child cannot afford counsel, counsel will be provided at state expense. Both sides present evidence.