Juvenile Delinquency Referral

The D.C. court system classifies juvenile cases into three primary categories to ensure appropriate and targeted intervention.

• Delinquent Children: These are youths who commit acts that would be considered crimes if committed by an adult. The court focuses on addressing the root causes of this behavior through guided intervention.
• PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision): This category includes youths involved in status offenses, such as truancy, running away, or violating curfew. These are behaviors that are only unlawful because of the minor's age.
• Youth at Risk: These are minors exhibiting behavioral patterns or living in environments that pose a significant risk for future offenses. This classification allows the court to intervene early with preventative services before a formal offense occurs.

The process begins after an initial incident and progresses through a series of legal checkpoints within the Family Court.

• Initial Incident: A minor commits an act prompting police attention. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will then determine whether to release the minor, issue a warning, or take them into custody.
• Police Investigation & Referral: If the minor is taken into custody, the case is forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for review. The OAG determines if the case has sufficient evidence to proceed to court.
• Petition Filing & Hearing: If deemed appropriate, the OAG files a petition in Family Court, formally beginning the judicial process. A Preliminary Hearing is then held, where a judge assesses custody or release, usually within 24 hours of arrest.
• Adjudicatory Hearing: This is where the court determines whether the facts presented support the charges alleged in the petition. This hearing is similar to a trial but without a jury.
• Disposition Hearing: If the minor is found "involved" (the juvenile equivalent of a conviction), the court imposes a rehabilitative disposition.

This non-delinquency notification can open the door to informal court involvement based on specific circumstances surrounding the minor.

• Information Gathering: The notification requires the youth’s identity, residence, and the specific circumstances causing concern. It allows the court to gather necessary background information promptly.
• Source of Notification: It can be initiated by guardians, educators, or authorized agencies who are concerned about the youth's behavior or environment.
• Informal Investigation: Based on this notice alone, the Family Court can open an informal investigation. This often involves social workers and court services assessing the youth's needs and recommending community-based support or resources before formal legal action becomes necessary. This focus on prevention is key to the D.C. juvenile model.

Here is a summary of common juvenile dispositions and the lack of a public criminal record in Washington D.C.

Record Implications:

Many families wonder whether a juvenile referral creates a lasting criminal record. While juvenile findings do not result in a public criminal conviction, the records are maintained by government entities and sealed from the general public. However, a juvenile history may affect sentencing if the minor commits adult crimes later, and certain agencies—especially federal employers—may be permitted to review these sealed histories during high-level background checks. Navigating the juvenile justice system often requires informed guidance to protect the minor’s future.