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1. Who can be prosecuted in juvenile court?

Anyone alleged of committing a crime between the ages of 10 and 17. If a child younger than 10 is alleged to have committed a crime, the matter is referred to the child welfare system.

2. If a juvenile is adjudicated (found guilty) of a crime, what happens next?

The judge can order consequences that focus on rehabilitating the child and restoring them to law-abiding behavior. The judge has a broad range of consequences and programming available to achieve that goal, including:

• Chemical dependency treatment
• Community service
• Probation supervision
• Restitution for the victim

More serious offenses may also result in court-ordered confinement in juvenile detention facilities.

3. What are the rights of a victim of a juvenile crime?

Victim rights in juveniles proceedings are the same as those in adult proceedings according to the Minnesota Crime Victims Act. Victims in juvenile matters have the right to receive notice of charges, court hearings, plea negotiations, and dispositions. Victims also have the right to give a victim impact statement and also receive restitution according to the statute. Learn more about victim's rights and services in Mille Lacs County.

4. Are juvenile proceedings public?

No, most juvenile proceedings are closed to the public. There is an exception for proceedings involving juvenile defendants charged with a felony-level offense who are over the age of 16 at the time of the crime.