Prosecution Officer

Captain Gary Jones

(508)336-8123 Ext. 1005

Juvenile Court Telephone Numbers

Probation  (508)823-6384

Main (508)824-0609

Fax (508)821-9710

Directions to Courthouse

Helpful Terms to Understand

Misdemeanor - A crime punished by a fine or imprisonment of up to 2.5 years in a County House of Corrections.

Felony - A serious crime usually punished by one or more years of imprisonment in a state lock up.

Juvenile Delinquent - A child between the ages of 7 and 17 who commits an offense against the laws of the Commonwealth.

Arraignment - A court hearing in which the defendant has charges read to him, an appointment of a lawyer is made, and the possible question of bail.

Criminal procedure - The rules for processing through the criminal justice system.

Hearing - Any court proceeding, such as a trial.

Magistrate - A court officer who issues warrants; handles pre-trial proceedings or presides over misdemeanor trials.

Probation - An alternative to jail.  This sentence requires the offender to follow certain conditions, usually under the supervision of a probation officer.

Warrant - A court order issued by a Judge authorizing a search, an arrest, or a seizure of evidence of a crime.

802 Warning - If given in court to a defendant, that person can be held without bail for up to 60 days; if a new offense is committed.

Juvenile Court
If you are arrested or charged
  • Take it seriously
  • NEVER represent yourself in court, always get an attorney
  • There WILL be consequences for your behavior

Reasons to be in Court

Civil Actions

  • CHINS (Child in Need of Service)
  • Truant
  • Stubborn
  • Habitual
  • Run away
  • Child Custody

Criminal Actions (examples)

  • Threats
  • Larceny
  • Breaking & Entering
  • Auto Theft
  • Trespassing
  • Shoplifting
  • Disturbing School Assembly
  • Drug Possession
  • Motor Vehicle Infractions

Courtroom Etiquette

  • Stand up straight
  • Keep hands out of your pockets
  • Drop the attitude
  • Dress Properly

You should dress the way you would dress for a job interview, religious service, or any other important event that you would want to be taken seriously.  Your cloths should be clean and neat, shirt should be tucked in, you should avoid wearing anything that adults might find offensive, and don't wear hats.  (The better you are dressed, the better impression you will make on the Judge)

Court Procedures

  • Arrive at the Courthouse early
  • Go through the metal detectors
  • Check in with Probation
  • Probation Officer interview
  • Arraignment before the Judge
  • Enter your plea (guilty, not guilty)
  • If the Case is continued;
  • Meet with your attorney
  • Pre-Trial Conference
  • Wait 3 to 4 months until your case goes to trial

Probation Sanctions:

  • Curfew
  • Community Service
  • Attend school regularly
  • Obey school rules
  • If not in school, must be employed
  • Can and will be drug tested
  • Pay Probation fee of $65.00 per month
  • Pay additional court fees

Violation of Probation:

  • Probation Supervised with stricter sanctions or DYS until the age of 18