Legal Terms/Definitions
Adjudication – Plea of admission, no contest, or finding of responsibility after trial.
Disposition – Determination of consequence after adjudication (Sentencing).
Interim Order – Temporary Order entered until next hearing.
No Contest Plea – Finding of responsibility without a trial or statement by respondent. Respondent must agree.
Petition – Written document stating charge.
Preliminary Hearing – Must be held within 24 hours of Detention or Foster Care. Determination as to legal basis for charges, Foster Care, or Detention.
Pretrial Conference – Meeting of attorney and/or respondent and prosecutor to resolve matter without a trial.
Probable Cause – Reasonable grounds to believe facts justify filing charges.
Referee – Person empowered by Judge and Statute to conduct hearings in Juvenile matters.
Restitution – Payment to victim by minor or parents.
Status Offense – Truancy, runaway, or incorrigible.
Summons – Notice of proceedings and charges.
Temporary Ward – Legal authority over parents and minor; parental rights remain intact.
