The Circuit Court juvenile division handles both the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor
crimes. If an individual charged with an offense was under the age of 18, in most instances,
the case would be handled in this division. The primary difference between juvenile and adult
court is that the emphasis is on rehabilitation of the juvenile offender rather than punishment.
The nomenclature is different as well. Juveniles are found to be involved in delinquent acts
rather than found guilty of crimes as in adult court. They have merit hearings and dispositions
rather than trials and sentencings. In addition, because the main goal is rehabilitation, records
of juvenile proceedings are sealed.
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