§ 5201 - Commencement of delinquency proceedings - Vermont Statutes

§ 5201. Commencement of delinquency proceedings

(a) Proceedings under this chapter shall be commenced by:

(1) transfer to the court of a proceeding from another court as provided in section 5203 of this title; or

(2) the filing of a delinquency petition by a state's attorney.

(b) If the proceeding is commenced by transfer from another court, no petition need be filed; however, the state's attorney shall provide to the court the name and address of the child's custodial parent, guardian, or custodian and the name and address of any noncustodial parent if known.

(c) Consistent with applicable provisions of Title 4, any proceeding concerning a child who is alleged to have committed an act specified in subsection 5204(a) of this title after attaining the age of 14, but not the age of 18, shall originate in district or superior court, provided that jurisdiction may be transferred in accordance with this chapter.

(d) If the state requests that custody of the child be transferred to the department, a temporary care hearing shall be held as provided in subchapter 3 of this chapter.

(e) A petition may be withdrawn by the state's attorney at any time prior to the hearing thereon, in which event the child shall be returned to the custodial parent, guardian, or custodian, the proceedings under this chapter terminated, and all files and documents relating thereto sealed under section 5119 of this title. (Added 2007, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2009.)