When a crime involves a youth offender, the case is handled in the juvenile justice system. If the crime involves an adult offender, you can visit the adult court process page for more information. Oregon law states that victims have the right to stay informed, participate in the process, and seek restitution for losses resulting from the crime.
What happens after a crime is reported?
Police investigation
Police respond and gather evidence about the incident. Visit the police page for more information.
After investigation, police determine the next steps for the youth offender. In some cases, the youth may be arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center. If one or more of the following apply, it is more likely that the youth will be taken to detention:
- They are alleged to have committed:
- A felony offense
- Possession of a firearm or destructive device
- Disorderly conduct in the first degree
- Most offenses involving physical injury to another person
- They are a runaway from out of state
- They have a warrant
- They are charged with violating the conditions of a prior release or supervision agreement
If a youth offender is arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center, the case will be sent to the District Attorney’s Office for review on the following business day. After review, if a case moves forward is issued, a preliminary hearing will be held the same afternoon.
Police may also determine that they will not take the youth to the Juvenile Detention Center. Generally, youth will not be taken to detention if they are:
- Alleged to have committed a misdemeanor offense or most property crimes
- Under the age of 12 years old
If the youth offender is not taken to the Juvenile Detention Center, the review process may take longer. If the case moves forward, the youth will be provided a later date to appear at a preliminary hearing.
Tip for victims: Contact with law enforcement does not automatically mean that a report is written or referred to the District Attorney’s Office. If you have questions about the status of a report or case, call the District Attorney’s Office at 503-988-3472.
Case review process
If a case is sent to the District Attorney’s Office, they will review information like police reports, evidence, and victim statements to determine if they are able to move forward with the case. During the review, legal rules are used to determine if a crime can be charged.
Tip for victims: Cases involving a youth offender are commonly handled in the county where the youth resides, even if that is not where the crime occurred.
If the District Attorney’s Office determines that they are not able to move forward with a case, it is closed. In some cases, more information may be provided to the District Attorney’s Office by police, witnesses, or victims at a later time and they may review a closed case again. If you have questions about the review of a case, contact the District Attorney’s Office at 503-988-3472.
When the District Attorney’s Office finds that they can move forward with the case, it can be handled in the following ways:
- Formally, with court involvement: A court case is opened and a preliminary hearing is scheduled
- Restorative Justice Pathway: Through this program the District Attorney’s Office provides the youth and victim an opportunity to avoid the traditional court process. The case would be referred to Lutheran Community Services NW to participate in a 9 to 12 month program. Youth are only able to enter the program with the victim’s approval. Victims may choose how involved you would like to be in the process. If your case is eligible for this program, the District Attorney’s Office will contact you. If the youth enters the program and does not meet conditions of the program, the case will be referred back to the District Attorney’s Office for review
- Informally, without court involvement: When a case is handled informally, the youth does not go through a court process. Instead, they work with a juvenile court counselor for a period of informal supervision. Learn more about informal supervision for youth.
Types of hearings
The formal juvenile justice process can take time. Cases can be scheduled for many hearings, and some hearings may be scheduled more than once during the case. You can learn more about types of hearings below.
Victims have a right to be notified of hearings. Keeping your contact information up to date is important in order to receive notice. To update your contact information, you can contact the District Attorney’s Office at 503-988-3472 or visit the Case Companion portal.
Preliminary hearing
A preliminary hearing is the first hearing in the formal juvenile court process. If the youth is taken to detention, their preliminary hearing will be scheduled the same afternoon the District Attorney’s Office reviews the case. This is typically the business day following the youth’s arrest or detention. If the youth is not in detention, the preliminary hearing may be scheduled for a later date. Whether or not the youth is in detention, they are required to be present at this hearing.
During the hearing the following will happen:
- The youth is given an attorney to represent them, unless the offender hired their own attorney
- The youth is told the specific laws they are alleged to have violated
- If the youth is in detention, the court will decide if the youth needs to stay in detention to ensure the safety of the victim and community or to guarantee the youth’s return for future court dates
- If the youth is not in detention, or the youth is going to be released from detention, the District Attorney’s Office, juvenile court counselor, and youth’s attorney may make recommendations of conditions the youth must follow in the community.
- The next court date is set
Victims have the right to attend the preliminary hearing. You also have the right to make a statement for the court to consider when they decide if the youth will be released and what conditions the youth should follow. Learn more about your options to make a statement. You can attend the hearing either in person or by phone. Juvenile court hearings do not allow video attendance. Preliminary hearings are generally held at 1:00 PM at the Juvenile Justice Complex, located at 1401 NE 68th Avenue, Portland, OR 97213. These hearings are scheduled as a part of a larger docket with other cases. This means there may be a wait while the court addresses other cases before yours. On average, each case takes about 10-15 minutes to address.
Detention review hearings
A type of release hearing where the judge assesses whether a youth in custody will stay in custody or will be released. To make a decision, the judge will consider recommendations from the prosecutor, defense attorney, and juvenile court counselor. Victims in the case have a right to make a statement at detention, release, or placement review hearings. If you choose to make a statement, the judge will also consider your input regarding your safety, community safety, and placement options.
In situations where a youth is in custody, it is common that these hearings are set very quickly. Sometimes, they are scheduled within one business day. If appropriate housing and parental/guardian care is available, it is common that youth are released. Youth are kept in custody only when the case involves extreme risk to the safety of the victim, the youth, or the community. If the youth stays in custody, the law requires that these types of hearings happen every 10 business days.
During the hearing, the juvenile court counselor, District Attorney’s Office, and the youth’s attorney make recommendations to the court about whether the youth should remain in detention. Their recommendations may include places that the youth could stay if they are released from detention. A youth’s parent or guardian may also address the court and make recommendations.
Victims have a right to attend and may make a statement during these hearings. Your statement may include information you’d like the court to consider about concerns for your safety or the community’s safety if the youth is released from detention. Learn more about your options to make a statement. After considering the recommendations or statements from each participant, the court may order the youth to reside in detention, in an alternative out-of-home placement such as a treatment facility, or return to their home. If the youth remains in detention, another detention review hearing will be scheduled in 10 days. If the youth is released, the judge will outline conditions for the youth to follow and schedule the next court hearing.
These hearings are generally held at 1:45 PM at the Juvenile Justice Complex, located at 1401 NE 68th Avenue, Portland, OR 97213. These hearings are scheduled as a part of a larger docket with other cases. This docket also includes electronic and community monitoring hearings. This means there may be a wait while the court addresses other cases before yours. On average, each case takes about 10-15 minutes to address. You can attend the hearing either in person or by phone. Juvenile court hearings do not allow for video attendance.
Community or electronic monitoring hearing
If the court decides to release the youth from detention, they will have specific conditions they must follow. This is called community monitoring. If the court orders the youth to wear a location tracking or GPS device, this is called electronic monitoring.
Sometimes the court will schedule a hearing to discuss the youth’s performance while on electronic or community monitoring. This is a type of release hearing. At the hearing, the court will consider information from the youth, their attorney, the District Attorney’s office, and the juvenile court counselor. After considering the statements and recommendations, the court will determine if the youth should remain on the same electronic or community monitoring conditions, or be lowered to a less restrictive release plan. The court may also make other changes to the release conditions.
Victims have a right to be notified of and present at electronic or community monitoring hearings. These hearings are typically scheduled about 30 days in advance. They are generally held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays at 1:45 PM at the Juvenile Justice Complex, located at 1401 NE 68th Avenue, Portland, OR 97213. These hearings are scheduled as a part of a larger docket with other cases. This docket also includes detention review hearings. This means there may be a wait while the court addresses other cases before yours. On average, each case takes about 10-15 minutes to address. You can attend the hearing either in person or by phone. Juvenile court hearings do not allow for video attendance.
Plea hearing
A plea offer is an agreement created by the District Attorney’s Office or the youth’s defense attorney to give the youth an opportunity to resolve their case and avoid a trial.
Plea offers:
- Typically involve the District Attorney’s Office agreeing to dismiss or reduce some of the charges or sentences
- Save time and resources, and give everyone a preview of how the case could resolve
- Are voluntary. The youth can choose whether or not they want to accept a plea offer. They have a right for their case to go to trial
During a plea hearing, the youth admits to some or all of the crimes they have been charged with in their case. Plea hearings often happen at the same time as disposition hearings, described below.
Trial
A trial is held if a youth charged with a crime asserts their right to have a trial instead of admitting guilt. At trial, a jury is not present and testimony and evidence is reviewed by a judge who will determine if there is enough evidence to prove that the youth is responsible for the offense. You may receive a subpoena to appear at the trial and may be called to testify as a witness. Even if you are not called to testify, you have the right to be present at the hearing. The trial can take anywhere from a few hours to multiple days, depending on the amount of evidence in the case and the number of witnesses that will testify. Victims have a right to have their schedule considered when a trial date is selected. You can update your availability with the District Attorney’s Office at 503-988-3472.
Disposition hearing
If the youth is found responsible as a result of a plea agreement or a trial, a disposition hearing is scheduled. These hearings are generally held immediately after a plea hearing or a verdict is reached at trial. In some cases, the disposition hearing may be set at a later date. At that hearing, the District Attorney’s Office, the youth’s attorney, and the juvenile court counselor will make recommendations to the court about what the consequences should be for the youth. The youth’s parent or guardian may also share their thoughts with the court at this time. Consequences for the youth could include:
- Probation
- Counseling or treatment programs
- Community service
- Placement in a youth correctional facility
- If the youth caused you financial harm as a result of the crime, you have the right to request that they pay it back as part of their conditions agreed to at disposition. This is called restitution. If you would like to request restitution, an advocate can help you identify what documents will be needed to do so. Common documents needed to make a request include receipts, estimates of costs, or copies of bills. For more information about restitution, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at 503-988-3472
At this hearing, you can make a victim impact statement. Your statement can share how you have been impacted by the crime, any concerns you want to share, or information about what you want the judge to consider. The judge and offender will receive your statement. Your statement can be made over the phone, in writing, or in person. The District Attorney’s Office may deliver your statement to the courtroom if you prefer. Please call the District Attorney’s Office at 503-988-3472 if you plan to make a statement so they can ensure your right is upheld. Learn more about Victim Impact Statements.
Expunction hearings
Under some circumstances, it is possible for youth offenders to ask the court to clear their record. This is called expunction. If the court approves, it will mean that every agency involved with the youth’s case will be ordered to delete the records from their system. You can connect with the deputy district attorney to find out under what circumstances and timeframes it may be possible for this to happen.
Victims have the right to be notified of hearings where expunction will be discussed, and to give a statement to the judge expressing why they think the youth’s record should or should not be cleared. If you have concerns about saving the records from a case, please call the Victim Assistance Program at 503-988-3472.
People involved in court hearings
There are many people involved in a court hearing. Below is a list of people that may be at a court hearing.
Defense attorney
A lawyer who represents the youth and protects the youth’s rights. Their job is to help the youth understand the court process and fight the charges against the youth.
District Attorney’s Office and deputy district attorney
A government office led by an elected official called the District Attorney that represents the state of Oregon in a criminal case. The elected District Attorney oversees a group of attorneys, called Deputy District Attorneys, who are responsible for charging youth with crimes and presenting evidence to the court to prove the youth is responsible for the offense. The attorneys that work in this office do not represent the victim.
Judge or referee
A person who ensures that everyone follows the rules in a courtroom. The judge makes decisions for the court. If the offender is found guilty, the judge makes the final decision about the offender’s sentence. Sometimes the terms “judge” and “referee” are also called “the court”.
Juvenile court counselor (JCC)
A professional who provides case management and support for a youth while their case is processed in the juvenile justice system. Juvenile Court Counselors are not police officers or probation officers.
Witness
A person that has information related to the case. Witnesses may be required to testify in court hearings by answering questions from both the Defense Attorney and the District Attorney's Office.
Victim
Oregon law defines a victim as any person the court or an attorney from the District Attorney’s Office finds has experienced financial, mental, or physical harm as a result of the crime. If the victim is under the age of 18, the victim’s parent or legal guardian may be considered a victim. If the victim lost their life as a result of the crime, the victim’s immediate family may be considered victims. The victim of the crime may also be a witness in the case.
Victim rights attorney
A lawyer hired by the victim to help the victim understand the court process and ensure their rights are upheld. It is optional to hire a victim rights attorney, and is not required for the case to move forward. Visit our resource page for information about victim rights attorneys in Multnomah County.
Youth
A person under the age of 18 years old who has caused harm and the juvenile justice system is involved.
Glossary of terms
A person under the age of 18 years old who has caused harm and the juvenile justice system is involved. Back to content.
The collection of county and state agencies that work together to enforce laws and hold people responsible for breaking Oregon’s laws. These agencies can include: local police, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Oregon Courts, Oregon Department of Community Justice, Oregon Board of Parole, and Multnomah County Department of Community Justice or other community supervision agencies. Back to content.
Oregon law defines a victim as any person the court or an attorney from the District Attorney’s Office finds has experienced financial, mental, or physical harm as a result of a crime. The victim of the crime may also be a witness in the case. If the victim is under the age of 18, the victim’s parent or legal guardian may also be considered a victim. If the victim lost their life as a result of the crime, the victim’s immediate family may also be considered victims. Back to content.
Financial losses experienced by a victim as a result of a crime. Such losses may include things like: medical costs, damage to property, insurance deductibles, or counseling costs for victims of sexual assault. The victim must fill out paperwork to show their financial losses and include supporting documents such as estimates, bills or receipts. All restitution paperwork and supporting documents are shared with the youth’s attorney. If all parties agree on the restitution amount at the disposition hearing, the youth will be ordered to pay the agreed upon amount. If restitution is not agreed upon, a restitution hearing will be scheduled within 90 days of disposition. At a restitution hearing, the judge will decide if the loss was caused by the youth as a result of the crime and the amount of restitution the youth is ordered to pay the victim. Victims may be required to attend restitution hearings. Back to content.
Information that helps prove or disprove that an offender committed a crime. This may include the police collecting items such as pictures, recordings, text messages, weapons, records or interviews with the offender, victims, or witnesses. Back to content.
Police try to find information and evidence about what happened. This may include interviewing victims, offenders, and witnesses and documenting or recording what they say. This could also include collecting evidence such as photos, recordings, text messages, weapons, records or other items. Back to content.
The District Attorney’s Office determines if a charge is a felony or a misdemeanor based on the information they have about the crime. A felony is often more severe and may have a greater sentence than a misdemeanor. When an offender is charged with a felony, a Grand Jury must review the charge to determine if there is enough evidence to support the case moving forward in the court process. Back to content.
A person under the age of 18 years old whose parent or guardian has indicated that they have been away from home for a period of time without parental or guardian consent. Back to content.
A legal order by a judge that tells law enforcement what to do when they come into contact with the offender. Back to content.
Rules that the offender must follow. This often includes a no contact order where the offender is ordered not to have contact with the victim of the crime. If the offender violates a condition of release, they are supposed to go back in front of the judge to address the violation. Back to content.
When the offender has been ordered by the courts or the Oregon Board of Parole to follow certain rules. Back to content.
Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM except on court closures or holidays. Back to content.
The first hearing in the juvenile process, where the judge makes a decision regarding the status of the youth offender. Youth may be released to a parent or guardian, released on Electronic or Community monitoring, placed in the custody of the Department of Human Services (DHS), placed in detention with a review hearing scheduled every 10 business days, or released to a secure shelter placement. Back to content.
The District Attorney’s Office determines if a charge is a misdemeanor or a felony based on the information they have about the crime. A misdemeanor is a type of charge that may have a smaller punishment than a felony. Cases with only misdemeanor charges typically move through the court process faster than cases with felony charges. Back to content.
A person that has information related to the case. Witnesses may be required to testify in court hearings by answering questions from both the defense attorney and the District Attorney's Office. Back to content.
A program that creates space for survivors of crime and other impacted people to share how the crime has impacted them and to explore how their needs can be met. The program also creates an opportunity for the young person who caused harm to work to repair that harm and take responsibility for their actions. Back to content.
A nonprofit community partner that facilitates the Restorative Practices Program. This program is not religious and strives to be welcoming to all people. You can reach them at 503-231-7480. Back to content.
A professional who provides case management and support for a youth while their case is processed in the juvenile justice system. Juvenile court counselors are not police officers or probation officers. Back to content.
A lawyer who represents the offender and protects the offender’s rights. Their job is to help the offender understand the court process and fight the charges against the offender. Back to content.
A group of people from the community who are called to court for jury duty. Their job is to receive, review and discuss the details of a case and make decisions about the outcome. The number of people on a jury can be different based on the type of case or hearing. Back to content.
When a person participates in a court hearing by answering questions and sharing information related to the case. Before a person testifies, they are sworn in, which means they make a promise to tell the court the truth. When a person testifies, they sit at the front of the courtroom near the judge. Back to content.
A legal court document that requires you to attend a court hearing. If you receive a subpoena, it means you may have to testify in court by answering questions about the case. Even if you have limited information regarding an incident, you may receive a subpoena. Back to content.
A period of time where a youth will be supervised by a juvenile court counselor. During probation, the youth will be required to meet certain requirements ordered by a judge. Back to content.
Opportunities to engage in activities that support the community. Back to content.
Secure, fenced facilities where youth offenders stay if a court orders it. In Oregon, there are nine facilities. Back to content.
A person who supports crime victims. Advocates can work with a justice system agency or with a community organization. Their job is to help you understand the justice system and your rights, to attend court with you, to offer emotional support, and to connect you with resources to meet your needs. Advocate services are always free. Visit our resource page for information about advocate services in Multnomah County. Back to content.
This page was produced by Multnomah County under grant number 15POVC-21-GK-01091-NONF, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.