Greensboro criminal law attorney Chad Garrett is often asked about the difference between adult court and juvenile court. In North Carolina, adult court is for those 16 years of age and above. Here are the differences in language used:
JUVENILE COURT TERMINOLOGY
Adult Court Terminology Juvenile Court Terminology
Defendant Juvenile or Respondent
Crime Delinquent Act
Arrest Take into Custody or Temporary Custody
Order for Arrest Secure Custody Order
Warrant / Indictment Petition
Trial Adjudicatory Hearing
To Convict Adjudicate Delinquent
Conviction Adjudication
Guilty Plea Admission
Not Guilty Plea Denial
Plea Transcript Transcript of Admission
Prior Conviction Prior Adjudication
Prior Record Level Delinquency History Level
Sentencing Hearing Dispositional Hearing
Pre-Sentencing Hearing Predisposition Report
Sentence Disposition
Sentencing Grid Dispositional Chart
Probation Officer Juvenile Court Counselor
Extradition Proceeding / Interstate Compact on Juveniles
Motion for Appropriate Relief Motion for Review
Jail Detention Facility
Prison Youth Development Center