Utah Juvenile Probation

Today’s blog post will cover what juvenile probation means, what qualifies a youth offender for probation and what the probation process entails. While the information given will be more specifically geared towards the Third District Juvenile Court in Utah, there are similarities in each Juvenile District Court throughout the state. It would be prudent to contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney to find out what juvenile probation guidelines are in effect in your district.

What is Juvenile Probation?

Probation for juveniles is one possible avenue a juvenile judge may take when dealing with a youth offender’s case. Probation allows a child who has been found delinquent to remain in his home under certain conditions decided upon by the judge and the juvenile probation department. Once the probation conditions have been set up, the youth and his parents will be made aware of their responsibilities during the probation period.

Qualifications for Juvenile Probation

Some of the qualifications a judge may consider when deciding for or against juvenile probation include:

• severity of the offense
• the offender’s previous criminal history (or lack thereof)
• other mitigating circumstances
• probation officer recommendation
• the juvenile’s need for services only available through probation

Probation Process

Probation begins when the juvenile judge enters an order for probation. If circumstances allow, the judge may place the youth on two weeks’ house arrest instead of requiring the youth to go to detention. Normally within a couple of days the family and juvenile will receive a phone call or personal visit from a juvenile probation officer who will orient them on what the probation procedures are. Probation time is not specific and will only end when ordered by the judge.

The first part of the probation process involves the probation officer gathering information from a variety of resources in order to help decide what the best strategy is for helping the youth offender to rehabilitate and prevent future criminal offenses. The probation officer will then identify three top risk factors and set goals and/or a correctional plan for the youth. The juvenile must achieve the goals before he can be considered for discharge from probation. The probation officer will be responsible for monitoring the youth’s progress and reporting goal completion and compliance to the judge.

Consulting with an Attorney

One of the best ways to help your child involved in the juvenile court process is to hire a Utah juvenile defense attorney to represent him. An attorney can be an invaluable asset when you are trying to communicate with the court and law enforcement. Your child’s attorney can help make the potentially confusing law more understandable and easier to follow. If you have questions about any case your child is in the midst of, contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney today.