Juvenile Court: A Judge's Guide for Young Adults and Their Parents

by Leora Krygier

Overview

Each year, millions of teens are cited for various offenses, ranging from traffic violations to criminal trespassing. Regardless of the offense, the majority of these young people arrive in court for the first time, usually unfamiliar with the judicial process and unprepared to stand before a judge. In this no-holds-barred guide, Leora Krygier, a judge for almost 20 years, provides teens with important information about how to prepare for a court appearance. Krygier addresses the most common types of offenses committed by young people and helps decipher their citations. This instructive guide gives teens and their parents an overview of the juvenile court justice system, then takes the reader through the entire process—from the moment a citation is written, to arraignment, possible trial, and disposition of their case. Drawing on examples, stories, and excerpts from actual letters and essays written by teens, Juvenile Court: A Judge's Guide for Young Adults and Their Parents de-mystifies the judicial process and help teens get back on the right track. The book also offers no-nonsense tips aimed to help teens avoid future citations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810863521
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	12/04/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	196
File size:	1000 KB

About the Author

Leora Krygier has been a judicial officer with the Los Angeles Superior Court for almost 20 years and is the author of two books.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Why I Wrote This Guide ix

Disclaimer xiii

1 The Juvenile Court System 1

2 I Received a Citation to Court: What Do I Do? 9

3 Preparing for Court 25

4 Coming to Court for My Hearing 45

5 Driving, Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Related Violations 61

6 Other Offenses 89

7 What Can I Expect at Court? 121

8 Returning to Court, the DMV, and Will I Have a Record? 141

9 How to Avoid Getting Another Citation 149

Resources on the Web 155

Glossary 157

Appendix Document Examples 165

Index 175

About the Author 181

Editorial Reviews

As Judge Leora Krygier points out, juvenile court is its own entity, with a distinct philosophy and purpose for the punishment, protection, and rehabilitation of a special population of offenders. Yet although the juvenile court system is designed to attend to the unique needs of minors in trouble, it can also seem mysterious and intimidating. This book is Krygier's attempt to inform and prepare young people who are facing a court hearing. From minor traffic violations and truancy charges to fighting and drug- and alcohol-related offenses, Krygier unpacks some of the most common terms, procedures, facts, and myths of the juvenile court system so that young people - and their parents - might more efficiently navigate the process. Krygier is clearly a youth advocate and writes the book from a place of care and concern for teens who find themselves in complicated, unfamiliar situations. It is immediately clear that in no way does Krygier desire to help get guilty parties off the hook. She does, however, work to remind teens that part of taking responsibility for their actions is respecting the system that is in charge of determining their punishment, which entails becoming educated about the juvenile court system of which they are now a part. Although individual laws and juvenile court systems differ from state to state, Krygier's information still feels thoroughly discussed. Her approach is serious and straightforward, but remains highly readable as a guide or a reference manual. Reviewer: Jennifer Miskec

VOYA - Jennifer Miskec

Gr 9 Up

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge details citations and situations that may result in a teenager's arrest and/or trial. From speeding tickets to curfew violations to drug- and alcohol-related issues, Krygier explains court terminology and due process in a clear and concise, though somewhat dry manner. The highlighted tips on many pages offer sound advice on issues such as how to dress for court, how to address a judge, and how to stay out of trouble in the first place. Each chapter begins with statements from real teenagers ruminating on their court experiences. Many of them are choppy, confusing, and grammatically questionable, and they might well distract readers. However, the text itself provides a solid, honest view of the juvenile justice system. The book includes a helpful compendium of documents that one might come across in the judiciary process.-Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School, Glen Ellyn, IL

School Library Journal

This title is a sensible guide to scan yourself and put in your repertoire for instant access. You could save a life. Be ready.

Library Thing

Krygier provides an overview of the entire juvenile criminal justice process, from the initial police detainment through court appearances and sentencing. She gives specific advice on how to best make one’s case to the court....Tips on preparing for court hearings and eye-opening excerpts from actual letters written to the court by teens about their personal experiences in the system are invaluable. Presented in a straightforward and crisp manner, this is a crucial reference guide; but it can also serve to warn youths, and their parents, about the consequences of breaking the law.

January 2009 ForeWord Reviews

Krygier provides an overview of the entire juvenile criminal justice process, from the initial police detainment through court appearances and sentencing. She gives specific advice on how to best make one’s case to the court....Tips on preparing for court hearings and eye-opening excerpts from actual letters written to the court by teens about their personal experiences in the system are invaluable. Presented in a straightforward and crisp manner, this is a crucial reference guide; but it can also serve to warn youths, and their parents, about the consequences of breaking the law.

January 2009 Foreword Reviews