Adjudication Hearing - Similar to a trial for adults; determines whether or not the juvenile committed the offense.

AKAMAI Youth Project - A community-based project composed of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), the Office of Youth Services, and other governmental agencies, private groups, volunteers and individuals, who offer on-site services to parents and their youths who are experiencing delinquent behavior.

Arraignment - A hearing in which the juvenile is advised formally of the law violation or status offense charges against him or her, is advised of his or her constitutional rights and given the opportunity to enter a plea. If the juvenile pleads innocent, the case is set for an adjudication hearing (i.e., trial).

Disposition - Similar to a sentence in adult court; the court determines the consequences of a juvenile who has been adjudicated for or who has admitted to the commission of an offense. (See Disposition List on back).

Felony - A crime which is considered more serious than a misdemeanor and with harsher penalties.

Diversion - A non-judicial, administrative disposition of a referral, where the juvenile and parents agree to certain terms, without a court hearing.

Misdemeanor - A crime which is less serious than a felony but more serious than a petty misdemeanor.

Petition - A legal document filed in Family Court alleging an offense (law violation or status offense) committed by a juvenile.

Plea - The juvenile's formal answer to a petition (admits or denies).

Prosecutor - The government's attorney who is assigned to prosecute the pending petition against the juvenile.

School Attendance Program (SAP) - A program for truants who are apprehended by the police.

Status Offender- A person under 18 years of age, who commits the act of truancy, runaway or incorrigibility.

Waiver of Jurisdiction - The judicial process through which the Family Court may transfer a juvenile to the jurisdiction of the adult criminal court. If jurisdiction is waived, the juvenile will be tried as an adult in the adult criminal court.