Rule 10. Initial Hearings

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District of Columbia Court Rules › Family Court › Superior Court Rules Governing Juvenile Proceedings › Super. Ct. Juv. R. 10

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

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(a) Generally. At the initial hearing the respondent shall be informed of the respondent's

right to counsel, that the judicial officer will appoint counsel if the respondent is unable to

obtain counsel, that the respondent is not required to make a statement and that any

statement made by the respondent may be used against the respondent. The petition shall

be read to the respondent or the substance of the charges stated to the respondent. The

respondent shall be given a copy of the petition before being called upon to plead. If the

respondent refuses or is unable to plead, the judicial officer shall enter a plea of not guilty.

If a plea of not guilty is entered, the judicial officer shall set a date for a status hearing. If

the respondent enters a plea of guilty in the manner set forth in SCR-Juvenile 11, the

judicial officer shall set a date for a disposition hearing unless both parties consent to an

immediate disposition.

(b) Pursuant to D.C. Code § 16-2308. Upon entry of a plea of not guilty in a case where

the respondent was released prior to the filing of the petition, the judicial officer shall set

conditions, if any, of release.

the respondent was not released prior to the filing of a petition, the judicial officer shall

evaluate the need for continued detention or shelter care in accordance with D.C. Code §

16-2312 and SCR-Juvenile 106.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.