Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

In case of a felony malicious wounding between two brothers aged 19 and 16, where will the preliminary hearing be held?

1. Circuit Court

2. Juvenile Domestic Relation Court (JDRC)

3. General District Court

4. Family Court

The correct answer is: Juvenile Domestic Relation Court (JDRC)

In the scenario involving a felony malicious wounding between two brothers aged 19 and 16, the correct venue for the preliminary hearing is the Juvenile Domestic Relations Court (JDRC). This is because the case involves a minor (the 16-year-old brother), and matters concerning juveniles often fall under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court system. Juvenile Domestic Relations Courts are designated to handle cases involving minors, including cases of delinquency and domestic issues. In this instance, the court would assess the circumstances surrounding the incident, considering the age of the individuals involved and the nature of the offense. The JDRC provides a setting that focuses on rehabilitation and support for young offenders, aligning with the goals of juvenile justice. Other courts listed would not typically handle this case. Circuit Courts generally deal with more serious felony cases, while General District Courts also focus on lesser offenses and do not handle matters specifically involving juveniles in this context. Family Courts, depending on the jurisdiction, might address family-related issues but do not specifically deal with juvenile delinquency or criminal offenses. Thus, the JDRC is the most appropriate venue for this case.