Office of the DeKalb County District Attorney

Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit

Sherry Boston, District Attorney

Case Processing

Formal Complaint
A Complaint can be filed by law enforcement  or a victim. The Complaint is the criminal charge.

Intake
Location in the Juvenile Courthouse where complaints are filed.

Petitions
A petition is filed in Juvenile Court. The petition sets forth the charges against the juvenile. 

Detention Hearing

A probable cause hearing when a juvenile is detained.

Arraignment
At Arraignment, the charges against the juvenile are read aloud in court and the juvenile admits or denies the alleged offenses.

Adjudication Hearing
A trial in which a Judge will determine whether a juvenile charged with a crime has committed the “delinquent” act.

Disposition Hearing
Once a juvenile is adjudicated (found guilty), a separate hearing is set to determine the type of treatment, rehabilitation, or supervision that is needed for the juvenile. Should the juvenile live in another county, disposition can be transferred to that county.

Restitution
Restitution is considered part of the juvenile’s rehabilitation in an effort to make the victim financially whole. Restitution is the out-of-pocket expense that the victim incurred because of the actions of the juvenile. You will be asked to bring all receipts, insurance information, and records of any other expenses that were not covered.