If the juvenile is not kept in custody, the trial will be scheduled within ninety days. Either hearing can be postponed for a good cause. Just as in criminal prosecution, the District Attorney must prove the allegations against the juvenile beyond a reasonable doubt. The juvenile does not have to prove his or her innocence. The juvenile has a right to call witnesses in his defense at no expense to the minor.
Witnesses can be subpoenaed-that is, ordered to come into court.
At the final hearing, if a juvenile is found to have violated the law he can be declared a ward of the court and parental custody may be removed. The court can place the juvenile on probation in his or her own home, in a foster home, or in a group home or other institution for more serious or repeat offenders. Generally, the court will first make every effort to work with minors in their own homes on probation. Remember a juvenile accused of a crime is entitled to a lawyer and their attorney's advice should be obtained as soon as possible to make certain that the juvenile's legal rights are protected. Knoxville Bar Association.