Detention hearings for status offenders and nonoffenders; who conducts the detention hearing?

• A. Judge or referee
• B. Prosecutor
• C. Guardians
• D. Parent

Answer: (A)

Detention hearings are judicial proceedings, so they’re presided over by a judge or a court-appointed referee. This role is to oversee the hearing, evaluate evidence, and decide whether the juvenile should be detained while the case is ongoing. The prosecutor may present the case and argue for detention, but the person conducting the hearing and issuing the decision is the judge or referee. Guardians or parents may participate or be represented, but they don’t conduct the hearing. This ensures due process and a formal, court-backed determination before any detention is imposed for status offenders or nonoffenders.