Role of Counsel
An introduction to the role and obligations of the juvenile defender at disposition in juvenile court.
An introduction to the role and obligations of the juvenile defender at disposition in juvenile court.
Infographic covering frequently asked questions about the role of youth defenders.
The Principles that follow are developed to describe the unique and critical role juvenile defense attorneys play in juvenile proceedings. Hundreds of interviews with juvenile justice system stakeholders reveal that the juvenile defense attorney’s role is perceived differently by different courtroom actors.
Disposition orders—commonly understood as sentencing—move children deeper into the juvenile court system. For example, some youth might be confined to secure custody or placed on probation. During the “post-disposition” phase, defenders must represent children at all probation and parole review or modification hearings, advise clients of their legal rights, explain their case options and possible…