Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Under what condition can a juvenile be taken into custody?

1. By parental consent only

2. With a written request from the juvenile

3. With a detention order from a judge or intake officer

4. When a juvenile is seen committing a crime

The correct answer is: With a detention order from a judge or intake officer

A juvenile can be taken into custody primarily through a detention order issued by a judge or an intake officer, as this action reflects a formal legal process. This procedure ensures that there is an appropriate judicial review of the circumstances surrounding the youth's behavior and circumstances. It indicates that there is reason to believe that the juvenile poses a danger to themselves or others, or that they may not return for court proceedings. Other options, while they may seem plausible, do not adhere to the necessary legal protocols for taking a juvenile into custody. Parental consent is not sufficient on its own, as the juvenile justice system has specific protocols designed to protect the rights and welfare of minors. Similarly, a written request from the juvenile does not suffice as legal authority for an arrest; it lacks the necessary legal oversight. While seeing a juvenile committing a crime may warrant law enforcement intervention, without subsequent legal authorization such as a detention order, the action may lead to questions about the legitimacy and due process involved in the custody. Thus, a detention order by a judge or intake officer represents the correct and most lawful condition under which a juvenile may be taken into custody.