Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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This bill is a substantial revision of the laws dealing with juvenile criminal and civil cases. This legislation mandates that a prosecutor from the DA's office bring all charges in juvenile cases. Each juvenile charged will have a right to attorney and cannot waive counsel until they have met with an attorney. The requirement for the Circuit Public Defender to establish a Juvenile Division has been struck from the statute, putting the responsibility for a public defender in juvenile cases back to the counties. A new continuum of services for juveniles will also be required. |