Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What type of hearing occurs after a preliminary hearing for a juvenile charged with a serious crime?

1. Circuit Court Hearing

2. Juvenile Court Trial

3. Adult Criminal Court

4. Sentencing Hearing

The correct answer is: Juvenile Court Trial

A juvenile charged with a serious crime typically undergoes a juvenile court trial following the preliminary hearing. This trial is specifically designed for minors and aims to provide a more rehabilitative approach rather than a purely punitive one, which is the focus of adult court. In this context, the juvenile court trial will assess the evidence presented, hear testimonies, and determine whether the juvenile is adjudicated as a delinquent. This process reflects the juvenile justice system's focus on rehabilitation and intervention, acknowledging the developmental differences between juveniles and adults. The outcome of this trial could result in various dispositions, including probation, community service, or placement in a juvenile facility, rather than being sentenced in an adult criminal court. The other options do not accurately represent the next step following a preliminary hearing for a serious juvenile offense. Circuit Court Hearings usually pertain to appeals or more serious legal matters for adults. Adult Criminal Court is not applicable, as the juvenile justice system operates separately from the adult criminal system for individuals under a certain age. A sentencing hearing would occur only if a guilty verdict were returned in an adult criminal case, which doesn't apply in this juvenile context.