| 62c Evaluation |
A court-ordered psychological evaluation required when there are gun-related charges. It assesses mental health, risk factors, and treatment needs. |
Programs & Services |
| ADA |
Assistant District Attorney — A prosecutor representing the State in juvenile court proceedings. |
Parties & Roles |
| Adjudication |
A court determination that resolves disputed facts or legal issues. |
Court Process |
| Admit |
In juvenile court, the juvenile admits the allegations in a petition instead of pleading guilty. |
Plea & Admissions |
| Beyond a Reasonable Doubt |
The highest legal standard of proof requiring no reasonable uncertainty regarding guilt. |
Evidence & Proof |
| Cert |
Certification to Adult Court — The process by which the State seeks to transfer a juvenile case to adult criminal court. |
Court Process |
| Certs Denied |
Refers to prior attempts by the State to certify the juvenile to adult court that were denied by the judge. |
Court Process |
| Conflict Counsel |
An attorney appointed to represent a juvenile when the Public Defender’s Office has a conflict of interest. |
Parties & Roles |
| Contempt |
Disruptive or disrespectful behavior toward the court that may result in sanctions. |
Rights & Procedure |
| Contested Hearing |
The juvenile equivalent of a trial where the State must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. |
Hearings & Motions |
| Continued |
The hearing is postponed to a future date. |
Hearings & Motions |
| Court Interpreter |
A certified language professional who translates court proceedings in real time for individuals who are deaf or have limited English proficiency. The interpreter facilitates communication but does not provide legal advice. |
Parties & Roles |
| D8 / D9 |
Shorthand references to separate delinquency petitions or case numbers pending against the juvenile. |
Documents & Orders |
| Danger to Self or Others |
A legal consideration when evaluating detention referring to safety risk. |
Detention & Custody |
| Deny |
The juvenile equivalent of pleading not guilty. Results in a contested hearing. |
Plea & Admissions |
| Department Number |
Refers to a specific courtroom where hearings are held (e.g., Department 19). |
Court Process |
| Detention Status Hearing |
A court proceeding to determine whether a juvenile will remain in custody or be released pending further hearings. |
Hearings & Motions |
| Disposition |
The outcome of a juvenile case after an admission or finding of true. Equivalent to sentencing in adult court. |
Disposition & Sentencing |
| DV |
Domestic Violence — An offense involving violence or threats within a domestic or household relationship. |
Court Process |
| Flight Risk |
Concern that a juvenile may fail to appear for future court hearings or avoid supervision. |
Detention & Custody |
| For the Record |
Formal statement made to ensure something is preserved in the official transcript. |
Rights & Procedure |
| Formal Probation |
Court-ordered supervision with specific rules and conditions the juvenile must follow. |
Disposition & Sentencing |
| GPA |
Global Plea Agreement — A negotiated agreement resolving one or more pending petitions through admission of allegations. |
Plea & Admissions |
| GPS |
Global Positioning System Monitoring — An electronic monitoring device worn on the ankle that tracks movement and location in real time. |
Detention & Custody |
| Home Management |
Release to a parent or guardian under supervision conditions including house arrest, curfew restrictions, school attendance requirements, and compliance monitoring. |
Detention & Custody |
| In the Back |
Refers to the secure holding area behind the courtroom where juveniles are kept in custody while waiting for their cases to be called. |
Detention & Custody |
| IR |
Incident Report — A written report documenting misconduct or rule violations while in custody. |
Documents & Orders |
| JSO |
Juvenile Sex Offense — A sex-related offense committed by a juvenile. |
Court Process |
| Leveling Up |
Advancing in detention status through improved behavior, often reflected in shirt color and increased privileges. |
Detention & Custody |
| Matter Off Record |
Statement made after the official recording of the proceeding has stopped. |
Rights & Procedure |
| Minutes |
The written summary of what occurred during the court proceeding. |
Documents & Orders |
| Orange |
Detention facilities use color-coded shirts to indicate behavioral level and privilege status. |
Detention & Custody |
| PDR |
Pre-Dispositional Report — A report prepared for the court summarizing background, history, and recommendations prior to disposition. |
Documents & Orders |
| Petition |
A formal written request asking a court to take specific action. |
Documents & Orders |
| Placement |
A court-ordered residential treatment facility, camp, or structured living environment. |
Disposition & Sentencing |
| Probation Officer |
A court officer responsible for supervising juveniles and making recommendations regarding detention, placement, and disposition. |
Parties & Roles |
| PSV |
Possession of Stolen Vehicle — A charge involving unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle. |
Court Process |
| R&D |
Report & Disposition — A scheduled hearing at which the court reviews reports and determines the juvenile’s disposition. |
Hearings & Motions |
| Record Sealing |
A legal process that limits public access to eligible records after statutory requirements are met. |
Records & Sealing |
| Release in the Community |
General term meaning the juvenile is not in custody and is supervised at home or in a non-secure setting. |
Detention & Custody |
| Release on GPS |
Release from custody under supervision with electronic monitoring through a GPS ankle device. |
Detention & Custody |
| Remain Detained |
The juvenile will stay in custody pending the next hearing. |
Detention & Custody |
| Remand to DCFS |
A request that the juvenile be placed under supervision or custody of the Department of Child and Family Services. |
Detention & Custody |
| Return Slip |
Document indicating the next court date and department number for transport or parental reference. |
Documents & Orders |
| RTC |
Residential Treatment Center — A structured live-in therapeutic facility providing mental health, behavioral, or specialized treatment services. |
Programs & Services |
| SMYC |
Spring Mountain Youth Camp — A residential juvenile camp facility. |
Programs & Services |
| SOSE |
Sex Offense Specific Evaluation — A specialized psychological evaluation conducted in cases involving alleged sexual offenses. |
Programs & Services |
| Staffing |
An internal meeting among probation officers, treatment providers, or court personnel to review a juvenile’s case and determine appropriate placement or services. |
Programs & Services |
| Strip Search |
A custodial security procedure requiring removal of clothing so staff can visually inspect for contraband. |
Detention & Custody |
| Takes Accountability |
Common phrase indicating the juvenile entered a Global Plea Agreement and admitted the charge(s). |
Plea & Admissions |
| The Mountain |
Colloquial reference to Spring Mountain Youth Camp (SMYC). |
Programs & Services |
| Trust |
A legal arrangement where one party holds and manages assets for designated beneficiaries. |
General |
| YLS |
Youth Level of Service — A structured risk assessment tool used to evaluate likelihood of reoffending and identify service needs. |
Programs & Services |
