Juvenile Crimes, Disposition Hearing/ Reasons for the Dispostion
The judge may consider facts before it at the disposition hearing that were admitted or that the judge found to be true by a preponderance of the evidence. The judge must consider the age of the child, the circumstances and gravity of the offense and the juvenile's previous delinquent history. The judge must consider these factors in order to establish the best disposition for the child. The judge need not expressly mention each factor however the court must take each factor into account. The court may also consider events contained in the social study report that are transactionally related to the offense. The court may also use a previously sustained petition as a basis for its disposition.
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