What is typically considered during the adjudicatory hearing?

During the adjudicatory hearing, a primary focus is on whether the facts support the allegations made against the juvenile. This hearing serves as a critical stage in the juvenile justice process, where evidence and testimonies are presented to determine if the juvenile committed the alleged offense. The judge or hearing officer examines the evidence to reach a conclusion about the juvenile's guilt or innocence regarding the specific charges.

This emphasis on the facts is essential because it ensures that the decision made is based on a thorough examination of whether the alleged behavior occurred as claimed. It upholds the need for due process, ensuring that no juvenile is found responsible for an offense without sufficient evidence supporting those allegations.

Other aspects, such as the nature of the offense or the juvenile's previous criminal history, might be considered in different contexts, such as sentencing or evaluating rehabilitation needs, but they are not the central focus of the adjudicatory phase itself.