Utah Juvenile Courts
The Utah Juvenile Courts have jurisdiction over youths 18 years old and younger who violate any federal, state or municipal law. Juvenile courts handle cases involving children who have been abused, neglected or are dependent. The court also has jurisdiction over truants, runaways and other youth who have been served by social service agencies, if those attempts to assist have been unsuccessful.
Juvenile courts have 28 judges and 1 commissioner. Of those individuals, 8 judges and 1 commissioner serve the 3rd district, which is comprised of the Salt Lake, Summit and Tooele counties. The commissioner is trained as an attorney and hears certain cases. The commissioner gives his findings and recommendations, in writing, to a judge. A rehearing may occur in front of a judge if a party disagrees with the commissioner.
The juvenile court has jurisdiction over the following traffic offenses involving minors:
- Automobile homicide;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Reckless driving;
- Joy riding; and
- Fleeing a police officer.
The juvenile courts have their own probation department, unlike other courts in the state. Probation officers prepare reports, supervise youth, conduct evaluations and submit reports on each juvenile’s progress.
Utah juvenile courts have an agreement that allows them to accept juveniles who move into Utah who are currently being served by the court system. They can also request that another state assist them when a juvenile moves to that state.
Any appeal from the juvenile court is heard in the state Court of Appeals.
If you have further questions about the juvenile court system and a case your child is involved in, you should contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney right away.
