Revised Code of Washington - RCW Title 13 Juvenile Courts And Juvenile Offenders - Section 13.64.040 Hearing on petition

§ 13.64.040. Hearing on petition

(1) The hearing on the petition shall be before a judicial officer, sitting without a jury. Prior to the presentation of proof the judicial officer shall determine whether: (a) The petitioning minor understands the consequences of the petition regarding his or her legal rights and responsibilities; (b) a guardian ad litem should be appointed to investigate the allegations of the petition and file a report with the court.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the term "judicial officer" means: (a) A judge; (b) a superior court commissioner of a unified family court if the county operates a unified family court; or (c) any superior court commissioner if the county does not operate a unified family court. The term does not include a judge pro tempore.

[2001 c 161 § 1; 1993 c 294 § 4.]

Sections:  Previous  13.64.010  13.64.020  13.64.030  13.64.040  13.64.050  13.64.060  13.64.070  13.64.080  13.64.900  Next

Last modified: April 7, 2009