NOTICE
You have just been issued a CITATION to appear in COURT. This court appearance is called a
PRELIMINARY HEARING. This notice tells you what to expect at the preliminary hearing and what
you can do between now and then to prepare for it.
A copy of petition & affidavit is available at the State’s Attorney’s office for all persons
required to receive notice, at least 5 business days prior to the preliminary hearing date. The
PETITION has information about the delinquent act as charged. The AFFIDAVIT is the police
officer’s or other person’s statement of what happened.
The State's Attorney may refer this matter to the Diversion Program. Diversion is an alternative to
court.
For Youthful Offender cases only: You will receive information regarding an assessment. If you
fail to participate within the time frame specified, your opportunity to be considered as a Youthful
Offender may be denied.
WHAT YOU NEED
TO
KNOW BEFORE YOU GET TO THE
COURTHOUSE:
• You may want to speak to a lawyer so that you will understand what to expect.
• If you cannot afford a private lawyer, you can apply for the services of a public defender at
the courthouse.
• Your parent, guardian or custodian must come to court with you if you are under the age of 18.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU GET TO THE COURTHOUSE
Your parent, guardian or custodian must come to court with you, if you are under the
age of 18.
• You are entitled to have a lawyer at the hearing.
• If you have your own lawyer, make sure that he or she goes to court with you.
• If
you
do not
have your own lawyer,
a
public defender
will be in
court and
will
speak with you
before
the
preliminary
hearing.
• If
your parent
or
guardian cannot afford
a
lawyer,
the
court
will
appoint one
for you.
•
At
your hearing,
the
judge
will
explain your rights
to
you. The judge
will ask you if you
want
to ADMIT
or DENY the
charge.
•
The judge may set certain restrictions
on
you (such
as
curfew) while the case
is
pending. (These
are
called CONDITIONS OF
RELEASE.)
NOTE: ALL HEARINGS ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. IT
IS UNLAWFUL TO GIVE ANY PUBLICITY TO THESE PROCEEDINGS.
400-00087 – Citation to Juvenile (12/2018)
Distribution: State's Attorney, Officer, Child/Youth Page 2 of 2