What will happen the first time I go to court?

The judge will ask you if you have a lawyer representing you and if you do not, the judge will tell you that you have the right to have a lawyer to help you. The Clerk of the Court will read out loud the charge against you and you will be asked if you want to plead " guilty" or " not guilty". If the judge is not convinced that you understand, then he or she will not let you plead guilty. If you plead not guilty, the judge will set a date for a trial.

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January 2004

More Youth Criminal Justice Act FAQs:

• Introduction
• Arrest / Police
• Extrajudicial Measures
• Extrajudicial Sanctions
• Youth Court

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