The Juvenile Section of the Criminal Case Disposition Department manages case files for both juvenile delinquency and dependency cases. The Juvenile Section works in conjunction with the Unified Family Court by scheduling court hearings, processing documents and maintaining the case files.

Due to the nature of the cases all records aren’t confidential and not available for public view nor can they be discussed on the telephone. To be eligible to view a case file you must be connected to the case such as the attorney of record, the legal guardian, etc. You may appear in person where the file is maintained and request to view the file. Please make sure that you have an identification card with your photograph available when requesting the file.

In the law a juvenile is defined as a person who is not old enough to be held responsible for criminal acts. In most states and on the federal level, this age threshold is set at 18 years. In Wyoming a juvenile is a person under the age of 19. In some states a juvenile is a person under the age of 17, and in Connecticut, New York, and North Carolina, a juvenile is a person under the age of 16. These age definitions are significant because they determine whether a young person accused of criminal conduct will be charged with a crime in adult court or will be required to appear in juvenile court.

Juvenile crimes can include anything from creating graffiti on a building to rape or murder. No matter what the offense, a youth caught committing a crime will most likely be punished as provided by the state law. Since the penalties for crimes can range from probation to death, it's a good idea to become acquainted with the laws in your area.

· Know that the penalties vary greatly depending on the offense, since juvenile crimes range from minor to severe.

· be aware that juveniles involved in serious crimes such as murder may receive the maximum penalty regardless of their age.

• Realize many juveniles who are first-time offenders charged with minor crimes may receive parole and be sentenced to community service or time in a treatment center.
• Consult a criminal defense attorney who can inform you of the usual penalties for juvenile crimes in your state. Competent attorneys will be well-equipped to answer any questions you may have about penalties and possible plea bargains.
• Ask the court about alternative treatments in lieu of jail time such as boot camps, military schools or group homes.

Juvenile delinquents need parents who love, yet hold them responsible for their actions. Getting your child into counseling is the best way to deal with the problem. A Juvenile Delinquency case is initiated when a minor has committed or is suspected of having committed a crime. The Clerk's Juvenile Delinquency section performs various functions such as processing documents for cases where a child has been charged with committing a crime.