P.O. Box 736
Tupelo, MS 38802

Courts with juvenile jurisdiction may handle a variety of matters, including child abuse and neglect, traffic violations, child support, and adoptions.

Probation is perhaps the most common penalty in the juvenile justice system. Judges have considerable discretion to set the terms of probation. These may be specific to the circumstances of the case.

After the Detention Hearing and before the Jurisdiction Hearing, the DA can ask for a hearing to decide if the minor should be in Juvenile Justice Court. The DA does this because the charge is very serious and the minor is old enough to be tried as an adult.

The judge reviews the evidence presented in the case to make an informed decision. Based on the evidence and applicable laws, the judge decides whether the juvenile is guilty or innocent.

• 1) Investigation. …
• 2) Diversion. …
• 3) First Appearance. …
• 4) Arraignment. …
• 5) Pre-Trial Hearing (also known as Pretrial Conference or a Case Setting Hearing) …
• 6) Fact Finding Hearing (also known as an adjudication hearing or trial) …
• 7) Disposition. …
• 8) After Disposition.

Referrals can be made by police, parents, school officials, probation officers, other agencies, or individuals requesting the juvenile court to assume jurisdiction over the juveniles’ conduct.

There is no minimum age for criminal responsibility. Children below age 14 can only face incarceration if they are proven to have enough discernment between right and wrong. Incarceration starting at age 14. Other measures applied for ages 12–13.

There are two distinct types of juvenile cases: Delinquency and Dependency. Delinquency cases involve status offenses such as truancy (referred to as “601s”), and criminal offenses committed by persons under age 18 (referred to as “602s”).