In Juvenile Court, Deputy District Attorney’s will have the opportunity to meet with many different types of crime victims. All crimes against these victims have been perpetrated by juveniles. Therefore, you will be referencing the Children’s Code. The Victims' Rights Amendment applies in Juvenile Court as it does in County and District Court.

Key Concept: The goal is to treat victims with fairness and to ensure that the victims, the community, and the juveniles obtain just results.

In Juvenile Court, misdemeanors and felonies are handled in the same court. Typically, sanctions do not differ among different levels of crime. Probation is the usual sanction for first time offenders and there are jury trials only in specific instances (C.R.S. 16-11-309 and Felony Sex Offenses). As a result of these common outcomes, victims are often unsatisfied with the results in the Juvenile system:

• They feel that the system cares more for the juveniles than the victims.
• They think that there is little to no accountability for the juvenile offender.
• They may distrust the judge.
• They may be very concerned about restitution.

The types of crimes in juvenile court pose different issues for the victims, depending on the particular offense.

Key Concept: Victims experience a variety of emotions. All reactions are normal responses to abnormal situations.

Sexual Assault

Child Victims

Gang Violence