Frequently Asked Questions

At the time of the hearing you may request a Court-appointed attorney.

The Court-appointed attorney rate is $200 per petition.

Please contact Theresa Bunch at 517-788-4450 for more information regarding repayment options.

Please notify the Court that you or your child needs an interpreter; call 517-788-4450 to do so. The Court will arrange for an interpreter to appear at your hearing.

A status offense is a non-delinquency violation of the law giving Family Court jurisdiction over a minor. Status offenders are runaways, truants, curfew violations, and incorrigible youths. Most status offenses are handled through the diversion program.

Diversion prevents the creation of a criminal file for a juvenile. In diversion, a juvenile may be ordered to complete an educational program, attend counseling, and pay restitution costs and Court costs to have charges dismissed. Failure to comply with these terms may result in the charge being sent back to the Court for review.

Consent calendar is an informal probation, usually for first time offenders. If all of the terms of probation are completed, then the case is dismissed. If not, the Court can transfer the case back to the formal calendar.

Probation means that you have either "admitted responsibility" or been "found guilty" of committing a crime or a status offense. As a result, you have been placed on probation. Probation allows you to remain at home with your parents and/or guardian under the supervision of the Court and a probation officer.

To be on probation means the following:
- Your probation officer, after discussing everything with you and your parents, will make recommendations to the Judge or Referee regarding the terms of your probation.
- Your probation officer will formally go over the terms during your dispositional hearing.
- If you disagree with the probation officer's recommendations, you must speak up during the dispositional hearing.
- If you disagree with the Referee's recommendations, you must request a review with the Judge.
- You will receive a complete list of rules that your probation officer will thoroughly explain to you.
- The Court expects you to obey the law and to abide by the rules of your parents and probation officer.
- You must follow the rules of probation and all reasonable rules set by your parent and/or guardian. Your probation officer is not going to set rules for you that you cannot follow.
- Being on probation is serious.

Probation periods may be as short as 90 days or as long as a year or more. The Court and your progress will determine the exact duration of your probation term.

If you violate probation, your Probation officer may warn you that you are not following the rules. If you fail to follow the rules, your probation officer will file a probation violation, and you will have to appear in Court.

Violating the law is another form of probation violation. If you violate the law and are formally charged, you may be placed in the Jackson County Youth Center pending further Court proceedings.

Yes, the law requires your file to remain open in the Jackson County Family Court until you have reached the age of 30. At that time, the record can be expunged. However, certain life or criminal traffic offenses can never be set aside.

If your file was suppressed the information will not be made public.

Juvenile Intensive Supervised Probation (ISP) is directed at male juveniles that are at a high risk for re-offending, are struggling on regular probation, and have had multiple petitions or probation violations.

The goals of ISP is to prevent a youth from advancing in the Court system, to help youth become productive and responsible, and to get the family to work better as a unit.

ISP is able to accomplish this by referring families to agencies for counseling, and supervising the youth at home and in school. ISP works closely with the youth to assure they are completing everything required by the Court. The ISP caseworker has the ability to make immediate consequences, set up and supervise community service projects for youth, take the youth on field trips, help youth to apply for employment, and be a mentor.

Manage minor infractions through consistent disciplinary approaches.
- Report all violations of probation.
- Attend all Court hearings and meetings.
- Communicate honestly and openly with your child's probation officer.
- Provide transportation for all Court-ordered programs.
- Know the whereabouts of your child at all times.
- Attend all school conferences.
- Inform the Probation Officer and School of all your child's absences.
- Attend counseling or other Court-ordered programs and services.
- Pay for Court-ordered programs, Attorney fees and other services.
- Comply with all Court orders.

Court has the authority to order reimbursement for any cost incurred. Reimbursement of costs may include the cost of the following:
- Attorney Fees
- Clothing
- Counseling
- Dental
- Detention
- Drug Screens
- Foster Care
- Medical Care
- Optical Care
- Other Placements
- Psychiatric Evaluations
- Psychological Testing

Court services will be provided regardless of your ability to pay. Some costs may be worked off through Court approved community service by you and your child. You will need to contact Theresa Bunch 517-768-2782 to see what payment options are available.

You will need your driver's license number and 12th District Court case number.

Form packets are available online. They are also available at the Probate window on the first floor of the courthouse. There is a $2.00 fee for packets at the window, to cover our copying costs.