Children's Court

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Children's Court

Children charged with a criminal offence have their matters heard and determined by the Children’s Court.

The Children’s Court hears and determines both summary and indictable offences. However, some offences are deemed too serious or inappropriate to be determined by the Children’s Court and are heard in the adult jurisdiction by a higher Court.

Sentencing

The emphasis when sentencing a Child is to:

Rehabilitate the child

Encourage the child to continue with their education and/or employment

Foster a relationship between the child and their family

Reduce the stigma of the Criminal Justice System

Diversion is also available in Children’s Court matters, where children are able to engage in programs both at the pre-diversion stage and as required in relation to completing their Diversion program. Upon completion of the Diversion program, that child will avoid a criminal conviction.

Should Diversion be refused and either a plea of guilty is entered or there is a finding of guilt, the Court has a number of options for sentence listed below.

Non-Custodial Sentences available:

Dismissal

After a finding of guilt, the Court can dismiss the Charge.

Undertaking

An undertaking is a promise to the Court to be of good behaviour and comply with any other conditions. With satisfactory compliance, the Court dismisses the charges.

Fine

A monetary penalty.

Probation Order

A child will be supervised by an organisation called Youth Justice and will be required to complete any conditions imposed by the Court.

Youth Attendance Order

Individuals between 15 and 20 years old can be sentenced with a Youth Attendance Order. They will be supervised by Youth Justice and required to complete conditions imposed by the Court. They cannot commit an offence and non-compliance of the order may result in the detention of that person in a Youth Justice Centre;

Youth Control Order

Individuals between 10 and 18 years old may receive a Youth Control Order. The person will be supervised by Youth Justice and any non-compliance of the conditions will result in detention.

Custodial Sentences available:

Youth Residential Centre

Where a custodial sentence is deemed necessary, children under the age of 15 can be detained in a Youth Residential Centre for a prescribed period of time. They are able to engage in educational classes and treatment during their sentence.

Youth Justice Centre

Where a custodial sentence is deemed necessary, individuals between the ages of 15 and 20 years old can be detained at a Youth Justice Centre. They are able to engage in educational classes and treatment programs during their sentence.*

At Hutchinson Legal, we understand that the level of care that you have for your children and we will reflect that level of care in our services to you.

*Sentencing in the Children’s Court, March 2019, Sentencing Advisory Council of Victoria

What am I most likely going to be sentenced with?

This depends on several factors. Firstly, the nature of the allegation. Secondly, whether you have been to court previously. Finally, if you have any criminal history. These factors will be considered by the Court in their sentencing.

Will I get a Conviction or a Non-Conviction?

The Court will look at the seriousness of the offending, whether or not it is going to affect you in the workplace or with social standing and whether you have any prior criminal history. These factors will be considered by the Court in the sentencing.

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Question 4

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Children's Court

Frequently Asked Questions

Sentencing

What am I most likely going to be sentenced with?

Will I get a Conviction or a Non-Conviction?

Question 3

What’s a Rich Text element?

Static and dynamic content editing

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Question 4

What’s a Rich Text element?

Static and dynamic content editing

How to customize formatting for each rich text

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