What occurs during a detention hearing in juvenile law?

During a detention hearing in juvenile law, the primary focus is on determining whether a juvenile should be held in custody prior to trial. This hearing typically occurs shortly after a juvenile has been taken into custody and is intended to assess the necessity of the juvenile's continued detention. The court considers various factors, including the nature of the alleged offense, the juvenile's history, the risk of flight, and the safety of the community.

At this stage, the court does not impose a final sentence, as that would occur later in the process if the juvenile is found to be delinquent. Additionally, evaluating a juvenile's mental health status and discussing available rehabilitation programs are elements that may be relevant in the broader context of juvenile justice but are not the core purpose of the detention hearing itself. The goal of this hearing is primarily to ensure that the juvenile's rights are protected while balancing the needs of public safety and the juvenile's best interests.