What does "failure to appear" signify for a juvenile in court?

"Failure to appear" signifies that a juvenile did not attend a scheduled court hearing without a valid excuse. This concept is significant in juvenile law because it can have serious implications for the juvenile’s case. For instance, not appearing might lead to a court ordering a bench warrant for the juvenile's arrest or could result in unfavorable decisions regarding the juvenile’s case.

In juvenile justice, the expectation is that individuals attend their hearings so that their legal matters can be addressed appropriately. Valid excuses may include illness or emergencies, but absent such valid reasons, the absence can be taken seriously by the court. This emphasizes the importance of accountability for juveniles within the legal system, encouraging them to understand their responsibilities in cooperating with court processes.