Geauga County Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over children alleged to be delinquent or unruly. When a child is found to be delinquent or unruly, the Court has jurisdiction to issue orders on the child and the child's parents or legal custodian. All parties to the case, including the child and the child's parents or legal custodian, are entitled to court-appointed counsel if they are indigent. For information on making application for appointed counsel, you can contact the Court at (440)279-1830. Forms for making application for appointed counsel can be accessed below.
Depending on the individual case, consequences for delinquent behavior may include detention, probation, fines, driver's license suspension, and/or community service. The Court can also order counseling and/or substance abuse treatment for the child or parents, when appropriate. In extreme cases, a child may be court ordered into foster care or residential treatment.
Definitions of "delinquent child" and "unruly child" are:
Delinquency: The allegation that a minor (a person under the age of 18) has committed an act that would constitute a crime if the act was committed by an adult. See Ohio Revised Code section 2152.02(E).
Unruly: A child is said to be "unruly" when he or she will not follow the rules of home, school, or community and as a result, is subjected to penalties imposed by the Court. See Ohio Revised Code section 2151.022.
Pre-Hearing Forms:
Initial Hearing Forms:
Dispositional Forms:
Post Disposition Forms: