Juvenile Delinquency Hearings in Philadelphia: A Parent’s Guide

If your son or daughter is facing a juvenile delinquency hearing, understanding the process and your rights can make a world of difference. This guide breaks down what to expect and how an experienced juvenile defense attorney can help protect your child’s future.

What Is Juvenile Delinquency in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a juvenile is anyone under 18 years old who is charged with a crime. Instead of adult criminal court, their case is handled in Juvenile Court, which operates under its own set of procedures and legal standards.

Common juvenile charges include:

• Vandalism or graffiti

• Underage drinking

• Drug possession

• Theft or shoplifting

• Assault or school fights

• Trespassing

• Disorderly conduct

Depending on the severity of the charge and the child’s prior record, the case may stay in juvenile court or, in some rare situations, be transferred to adult court.

The Juvenile Court Process in Philadelphia

Here’s what you can expect if your child is charged with a delinquent act in Philadelphia:

1. Intake and Detention

After an arrest, a juvenile probation officer reviews the case. If the charge is serious or if the child has prior offenses, the youth may be held in detention until a hearing.

A detention hearing is held within 72 hours to determine if your child can return home or must stay in a juvenile facility until their next court date. An attorney can argue for release, highlighting family support and school stability.

2. Adjudication Hearing (Trial)

This is the juvenile version of a trial. There is no jury—a judge hears the evidence and decides whether the child committed the alleged act.

Even though the setting is more informal than adult court, the stakes are high. A finding of "delinquency" can result in supervision, probation, or even placement in a residential facility.

3. Disposition Hearing (Sentencing)

If the judge finds the charges true, a separate hearing is held to determine the appropriate consequence. Options include:

• Probation

• Community service

• Counseling or treatment programs

• Electronic monitoring

• Placement in a juvenile detention facility

The judge may also require parental participation in counseling or educational programs.

Why Having a Lawyer Is Critical

Many parents believe that because juvenile court focuses on rehabilitation, they don’t need to hire an attorney. This is a mistake.

A skilled juvenile defense lawyer can:

• Challenge the evidence (e.g., illegal searches, weak witness testimony)

• Argue for dismissal or diversion into alternative programs

• Negotiate terms that avoid out-of-home placement

• Ensure the child’s rights are protected at every stage

Without legal representation, your child may end up with a record that affects college applications, financial aid, and future employment.

Can Juvenile Records Be Expunged?

Yes, but not automatically. In Pennsylvania, juvenile records do not disappear when a child turns 18. Expungement may be available if:

• The charges were dismissed

• The child completed probation successfully

• Enough time has passed since supervision ended

A criminal defense attorney can help file the necessary petition to clear your child’s record.

What If the Case Gets Transferred to Adult Court?

In serious felony cases—such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, or homicide—the prosecutor may seek to transfer the juvenile case to adult court. If this happens, your child faces adult penalties, including possible prison time.

A defense attorney can fight this transfer request at a decertification hearing, arguing that your child is capable of rehabilitation and should remain in juvenile court.

Don’t Face Juvenile Charges Alone

Juvenile court may be different from adult criminal court, but the consequences can be just as serious. Your child’s freedom, education, and future are on the line.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, Criminal Defense Attorney, Today

With over 30 years of experience defending both juveniles and adults across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, Mark D. Hauser understands how to navigate the complexities of juvenile court and protect what matters most—your child’s future.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.