Q: What type of cases does the Fayette County Juvenile Court have jurisdiction over?
A: The Juvenile Courts in Pennsylvania have authority over children between the ages of birth and 18 years of age who are in jeopardy because of their circumstances or surroundings such as children who are abandoned, abused, neglected, or with proper parental guidance or supervision, and children who may be incorrigible, runaways from home our truants. This group of children is classified as dependent children.
Children who are between the ages of 10 and 18 years of age and who are charged with committing a misdemeanor or felony offense also come under the authority of the Juvenile Act as delinquent children.
Q: Are there times when a person who is under the age of 18 can be tried as an adult?
A: Yes. If a child is fifteen years of age or older, and he is charged with a major felony such as rape, robbery, robbery of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, etc., and the crime is committed with the use of a deadly weapon, the person accused of this offense can be charged as an adult.
Q: Do juvenile offenders in have the right to an attorney?
A: Yes. Since the Juvenile Court has the authority to limit or eliminate a child’s freedom, children involved with the Court as defendants are entitled to legal counsel at all stages throughout their involvement with the Court.
Q: Are certain cases involving juveniles handled by the District Justice?
A: Yes. If a child is charged only with committing a Summary offense, the case is handled by the District Justice. Summary offenses include most motor violations (except DUI, Fleeing or Eluding Police, and Homicide by Vehicle) and a number of criminal offenses such as Disorderly Conduct, Underage Drinking, and Criminal Mischief (damages less than $500) and Retail Theft (first offense less than $150).
The District Justice has the authority to find the juvenile innocent or guilty of the offense and impose fines and costs.
Q: Who is responsible for paying the fines and costs assessed by the District Justice in a case involving a child?
A: It is the defendant’s responsibility to pay the fines and costs, and since the child is the defendant in this matter, it is the child’s responsibility.
Q: Are parents responsible for paying for all of the damages caused by their children:
A: No. In Pennsylvania, parents are limited in the amount of restitution that they may have to pay towards damages caused by their children. For one offense, a parent’s limit is set at $1,000 and for multiple offenses; the parent’s limit of liability is set at $2,500. If the damage caused by the child exceeds the parents limit of liability, the child is solely responsible for the damages.
Q: How many cases does the Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office handle?
A: On any given day, there are about 200 children being actively supervised by the Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office. Of this number, about 180 are living within the community with their parents or guardians while 20 are in placement at various group homes or residential facilities.
Q: What are the qualifications to become a Juvenile Probation Officer?
A: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have a BA or BS from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 18 credits in the social or behavioral sciences, have a valid drivers license, and otherwise be of good character. Employments inquiries should be directed to the County’s Office of Human Services.
Q: Does the Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office accept interns?
A: Yes. The Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office has been accepting interns from local colleges and universities for well over 35 years. College juniors or seniors interested in doing an internship should contact the office directly and ask to speak with the Chief Juvenile Probation Office
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