Can someone please tell me what happens at a first call hearing, and at a dispositonl and show cause hearing.

Question

Thanks!! this is regarding custody of a minor.

Answer 1

The First Call hearing is the Arraignment.  The juvenile, at this First Call Hearing will be advised of the charges, will be notified of his Rights, will have an opportunity to plead True or Not True (Guilty or Not Guilty) and will be appointed an attorney.

The Show Cause Hearing is usually an attorneys and judge only hearing in which the DA will inform the Court and the defense attorney of the charges and will provide the Judge with a legal basis for the filing of criminal charges and evidence will be shared with the defense.

At the Dispostional Hearing - it is the same as sentencing hearing, the juvenile will, if they haven't already, be found true (guilty) that they committed a delinquent act or Not true.  If the charges are found true then the Court would move to a sentencing phase and would impose probation or other things.