Which official may conduct detention hearings or determine detention release when the juvenile court judge is unavailable?

• A. Magistrate
• B. Sheriff
• C. Probation Officer
• D. Judge Pro Tempore

Answer: (A)

When the juvenile court judge is unavailable, the person who can hold the detention hearing and decide detention release is the magistrate. The detention hearing determines whether the juvenile should stay in custody while the case moves forward, and the magistrate has statutory authority to conduct that hearing and issue detention or release orders in the judge’s absence. This ensures a timely, legally supported decision and protects the juvenile’s rights. A sheriff is primarily an enforcement official, not a decision-maker for detention; a probation officer can prepare reports but does not rule on detention; a judge pro tempore can act as a substitute judge but detention matters in absence are specifically handled by a magistrate.