During which stage does the youth enter a plea?

Entering a plea occurs during the arraignment stage of the juvenile justice process. At this point, the youth is formally presented with the charges against them and given the opportunity to respond. This response typically involves pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest to the charges outlined. The arraignment is a crucial step, as it sets the stage for how the case will proceed, determining whether the youth will go to trial or enter into a plea agreement.

In contrast, intake refers to the initial process in which a juvenile's case is assessed to determine how it should be handled, often involving an evaluation of the circumstances leading to the alleged offense. Diversion is an alternative approach where juveniles may be directed away from the judicial process to partake in programs that aim to rehabilitate without formally processing them through court. The adjudicatory stage involves the actual hearing where the evidence is presented, and the case is decided, but the plea has already been entered at the arraignment. Understanding the distinction between these stages is vital for those involved in juvenile probation and the broader juvenile justice system.