Glossary of Terms

Arraignment: First court hearing in a case to give the juvenile formal notice of the charges and of his/her rights, to determine whether the juvenile has an attorney and if necessary, appoint one.
 
   
Classification of Juvenile Offenses:
    Status Offense: An offense that is only considered an offense because a person is a minor (i.e., smoking, or possession of alcohol). 
    Violation: An offense designated as a violation by a law or ordinance of the state, or city or county in the state of Oregon; could be punishable by a fine and other sanctions, but not by incarceration.
    Misdemeanor: An offense designated as a Misdemeanor by the state of Oregon; could be punishable for a maximum of not more than one year of incarceration.
    Felony: An offense designated as a Felony by the state of Oregon; could be punishable for a maximum of more than one year incarceration
Community Justice Officer (CJO): A CJO (referred to as a juvenile court counselor or a juvenile probation Officer in other counties) manages the youth’s case while they are under the supervision of the Juvenile Department.
Custody: When a youth is detained by a law enforcement agency because an officer has probable cause to believe a felony or misdemeanor crime has been committed, a statute has been violated, or the youth has a warrant issued by the court.
Detention:  Temporary and safe custody, in a secure setting, of juveniles (under age 18) who require a restricted environment while pending legal action.
Formal Accountability Agreement (FAA):  An FAA is a voluntary contract between a youth, their parents and Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice, whereby the youth agrees to fulfill certain conditions in exchange for not having a petition filed in court against the youth.
Intake Interview: A meeting between the youth, parent/guardian and Community Justice Officer to address the youth’s case and develop a plan to ensure accountability, repair harm to victims and promote youth’s success
Juvenile Deputy District Attorney: An attorney, representing the state and responsible for prosecuting juveniles charged with a crime or filing child dependency petitions. For more information visit the website of the Deschutes County District Attorney.
Probation: Court ordered conditions and expectations of behavior resulting from a youth being found responsible for violating the law.
Referral: A police report is sent to Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice through the reporting law enforcement agency.
Summons: A document requiring person to appear in court at specified date and time.