Adjudication
Plea of admission, no contest, or finding of responsibility after trial.

Disposition
Determination of consequence after adjudication (sentencing).

No Contest Plea
Finding of responsibility or guilt without a trial or admission by the juvenile. The juvenile essentially stands silent on the charges. Juvenile must agree to the no contest plea.

Petition
Written document stating charge.

Plea
Finding of responsibility or guilt based upon the juvenile’s statements.

Preliminary Hearing
Must be held within 24 hours of Detention. Determination as to legal basis for charges and whether the juvenile should remain detained or be released.

Pretrial Conference
Meeting of attorney and/or juvenile and prosecutor to resolve matter without trial.

Probable Cause
Reasonable grounds to believe facts justify filing charges.

Referee
Person empowered by Judge and Statute to conduct hearings in Family Court matters.

Restitution
Payment to victim for damages/injury by minor or parents.

Status Offense
An action prohibited based on the juvenile's age, such as truancy, runaway, incorrigibility, or curfew violation.

Summons
Notice of proceedings and charges.

Temporary Ward
Legal authority over parents and minor; parental rights remain intact.

Respondent
Means a minor under the age of 17 alleged or found to be within the jurisdiction of the Court for having committed an offense.

Detention
Court ordered removal of a juvenile from the custody of a parent pending trial, disposition, commitment, or further order.