Charles Cnty. Cir. Ct. Juvenile DCM Plan 4

Consistent with the Maryland Case Time Standards adopted by the Judicial Council, Constitutional

requirements, and applicable Maryland Rules, it is the goal of this Plan to ensure that all juvenile

delinquency cases reach disposition within 90 days of the filing of the petition; and all child in

need of assistance cases reach disposition within 30-60 days of the filing of the petition, depending

1 Consistent with the Case Time Standards adopted by the Judicial Council, Constitutional requirements and applicable

Maryland Rules, it is the goal of this plan to ensure that all juvenile delinquency cases reach disposition within 90

days of the filing of the petition; and all child in need of assistance cases reach disposition within 30-60 days of the

filing of the petition.

upon its classification (i.e., CINA Shelter versus CINA Non-Shelter).

Case Management

Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16- 302(b)(1)(A), the County Administrative Judge supe rvises all

aspects of juvenile case management, and is ultimately responsible for the implementation of this

Juvenile Differentiated Case Management (DCM) Plan. The County Administrative Judge

authorizes certain family magistrates and judges to hear various juvenile matters, and make final

decisions whether, and to whom, a case is assigned.

All family magistrates and judges must comply with this Plan and implement such provisions in

their rulings. Individual family magistrates and judges shall effectively manage cases designated

to them through dockets or specially assigned cases. The scheduling of case hearing/t rial events

must always be coordinated with the Assignment Office. All cases should be managed to the

extent possible, consistent with the provisions of this Plan, including adherence to the case time

standards.

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY TRACKS

Juvenile delinquency cases are assigned to one of two tracks by the j uvenile judge’s chambers

upon the filing of a juvenile petition by the State's Attorney's Office. Tracks define expected case

processing time and whether the matter will be assigned to the juvenile judge or family magistrate.

Both juvenile delinquency tracks adhere to the same filing and scheduling procedures.

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY TRACK CHART

Juvenile Delinquency Tracks, Casetypes, and Outcomes

Track Case Subtypes Expected Case Duration

Track 1

Standard

Juvenile Cases

similar to Adult

Cases under the

jurisdiction of the

District Court

Cases without a

detention petition

Typically set

before a Family

Magistrate

All misdemeanor cases (i.e., thefts,

second degree assaults, etc.);

Motor vehicle theft;

Property crimes;

Drug possession/distribution charges; and

Any other case deemed appropriate for

Track 1 (Standard) case assignment.

90 days

Track 2

Complex

Cases that include

most felonies

Cases with a

detention petition

Typically set

before the Juvenile

Judge

All Sex Offenses;

1st and 2nd Degree Burglaries;

1st Degree Assaults;

Robberies;

Carjackings;

Crimes involving guns, including “look-

alikes”;

Violent crimes and crimes against

persons;

Drug cases will be determined on a

case-by-case basis;

All juvenile delinquency cases with a

related open CINA case for the

respondent; and

Any other case deemed appropriate for

Track 2 (Complex) case assignment.

90 days

TRACK 1 – STANDARD (FAMILY MAGISTRATE)

Track 1 cases are set before the family magistrate. Track 1 cases are juvenile cases similar to adult

cases that are under the jurisdiction of the District Court and include, but are not limited to:

1. All misdemeanor cases (i.e., thefts, second degree assaults, etc.);

2. Motor vehicle theft;

3. Property crimes;

4. Drug possession/distribution charges; and