Chattanooga Juvenile 
Defense Lawyer

Jurisdiction in a Juvenile Crime

For the minor accused of a crime, the experience is often particularly frightening. While a juvenile defendant can be apprehended by a police officer for allegedly violating a statute, most juvenile cases involve a third party, like a school, referring a complaint to the courts. If the alleged crime is serious enough, the defendant may be held in juvenile detention, or in some kind of alternate placement.

Jurisdiction in a Juvenile Crime

17 of Tennessee’s 21 judicial districts have juvenile courts. These courts hold exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving defendants who are minors and accused of being unruly or delinquent. In districts that don’t have a juvenile court system, the general session court holds jurisdiction.

However, in a case involving an older youth defendant or a juvenile defendant with an existing criminal record, the juvenile court may choose to waive their jurisdiction in favor of the general court. This is particularly likely for serious crimes. In less serious situations, the intake officer may decide at their discretion to allow for alternative arrangements.

What are Potential Alternative Arrangements for Juvenile Crimes? 

These alternative arrangements may include assistance from:

• Mental health services
• School guidance counselors
• Youth services agencies

Whether your child is being tried in juvenile or adult court—or the intake officer is considering alternative arrangements—it is important to have knowledgeable and aggressive legal counsel. Our Chattanooga juvenile defense lawyers believe in the necessity of every defendant’s legal rights being fully upheld.