A juvenile petition officially charges a juvenile, or minor, with committing a criminal act. Maine Victim Witness Advocates defines it as "a short statement of the facts regarding the alleged crime which is filed in court."

When Filed

The start of the criminal process against juveniles, juvenile petitions are very similar to an adult criminal complaint or arrest warrant. It is filed after the alleged crime has been committed but before the trial.

Who Files

Each state has its own laws regarding who can file a juvenile petition. Most states agree that prosecutors can file a juvenile petition. Police officers and the general public can also ask a magistrate or local law enforcement official to file a petition.

Purpose

Petitions notify the court of the specific crime a child is accused of committing. Juvenile petitions also advise a child and her parent/guardian of the basic information needed to defend her.

Necessary Information

Certain information must be contained within a juvenile petition. Pursuant to Virginia law, this information includes the child's name, the date of offense, place of offense, the specific law that is alleged to have been broken, a summary of the alleged crime, and the name of the alleged victim(s).

Who Receives a Copy

Each state requires the accused child and his parent, guardian or legal custodian be served with a copy of the juvenile petition.

Source:

Maine Victim Witness Advocates

Bingham County Prosecuting Attorney's Office

Virginia Assembly Legislative Information System

Resource:

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention