§ 9-27-327 - Adjudication hearing. - Arkansas Statutes

9-27-327. Adjudication hearing.

(a) (1) An adjudication hearing shall be held to determine whether the allegations in a petition are substantiated by the proof.

(2) The dependency-neglect adjudication hearing shall be held within thirty (30) days after the probable cause hearing under 9-27-315, but on motion of the court and parties, for good cause shown, it may be continued for no more than thirty (30) days following the first thirty (30) days.

(b) If a juvenile is in detention, an adjudication hearing shall be held, unless the juvenile or a party is seeking an extended juvenile jurisdiction designation, not later than fourteen (14) days from the date of the detention hearing unless waived by the juvenile or good cause is shown for a continuance.

(c) In extended juvenile jurisdiction offender proceedings, the adjudication shall be held within the time prescribed by the speedy trial provisions of Rule 28 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(d) Following an adjudication in which a juvenile is found to be delinquent, dependent-neglected, or a member of a family in need of services, the court may order any studies, evaluations, or predisposition reports, if needed, that bear on disposition.

(e) (1) All such reports shall be provided in writing to all parties and counsel at least two (2) days prior to the disposition hearing.

(2) All parties shall be given a fair opportunity to controvert any parts of such reports.

(f) In dependency-neglect cases, a written adjudication order shall be filed by the court, or by a party or party's attorney as designated by the court, within thirty (30) days of the date of the hearing or prior to the next hearing, whichever is sooner.