Appeals: A Critical Check on the Juvenile Delinquency System

A robust and expeditious juvenile appellate practice ensures that youth are fully accorded their due process rights and is essential to developing a strong and cohesive body of juvenile jurisprudence. All children have a right to appeal their juvenile adjudications. Juvenile defenders are constitutionally mandated to confer with their young clients about their right to appeal, and the decision about whether to exercise this right belongs to the client. It is the job of the defender to understand the steps necessary to pursue an appeal in his or her jurisdiction and to advise clients about the process and the potential consequences of pursuing an appeal. If a client decides to appeal, counsel should try to seek independent appellate counsel to handle the appeal and should fully cooperate with appellate counsel by, among other things, providing all records and making themselves available to answer questions and assist with the case.