§ 7B-801. Hearing. - North Carolina Statutes

§7B‑801.  Hearing.

(a)        At any hearingauthorized or required under this Subchapter, the court in its discretion shalldetermine whether the hearing or any part of the hearing shall be closed to thepublic. In determining whether to close the hearing or any part of the hearing,the court shall consider the circumstances of the case, including, but notlimited to, the following factors:

(1)        The nature of theallegations against the juvenile's parent, guardian, custodian or caretaker;

(2)        The age and maturityof the juvenile;

(3)        The benefit to thejuvenile of confidentiality;

(4)        The benefit to thejuvenile of an open hearing; and

(5)        The extent to whichthe confidentiality afforded the juvenile's record pursuant to G.S. 132‑1.4(l)and G.S. 7B‑2901 will be compromised by an open hearing.

(b)        No hearing or partof a hearing shall be closed by the court if the juvenile requests that itremain open.

(c)        The adjudicatoryhearing shall be held in the district at such time and place as the chiefdistrict court judge shall designate, but no later than 60 days from the filingof the petition unless the judge pursuant to G.S. 7B‑803 orders that itbe held at a later time. (1979, c. 815, s. 1; 1998‑202, s. 6; 1998‑229,ss. 5, 22; 1999‑456, s. 60.)