Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Where will the preliminary hearing be held for an adult charged with sodomy of a juvenile?

1. Circuit Court

2. Juvenile Domestic Relation Court (JDRC)

3. General District Court

4. Family Court

The correct answer is: Juvenile Domestic Relation Court (JDRC)

The correct answer is that the preliminary hearing for an adult charged with sodomy of a juvenile will be held in the Juvenile Domestic Relations Court (JDRC). This is because cases involving offenses against juveniles, particularly serious charges like sodomy, fall under the jurisdiction of the JDRC. This court is specifically designed to handle matters involving minors, ensuring that the legal process is sensitive to the needs and circumstances of juvenile victims. The JDRC has the authority to conduct preliminary hearings in cases where juveniles are involved, allowing it to address the complexities and implications of the case effectively. The focus here is on protecting the welfare of the juvenile, which is a primary concern in such sensitive matters. In contrast, the Circuit Court handles adult cases and serious felonies but is not the appropriate venue for preliminary hearings related to juvenile charges. The General District Court typically deals with misdemeanors and lower-level criminal offenses, while Family Court focuses on domestic issues, such as child custody and family disputes, rather than criminal charges involving juveniles. Thus, the JDRC is the most appropriate setting for this type of case, reaffirming its specialized role in the juvenile justice system.