When a juvenile is arrested in Colorado, the child may be released to a parent or responsible adult, referred for detention screening, or held for a prompt detention hearing. If the child remains in custody, the hearing generally must occur within 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The district attorney then decides whether to file a delinquency petition, offer diversion, or decline to prosecute formally. Decisions made during
The Austin Sigg Case undoubtedly will be followed closely by the public due to the understandably heightened interest in the murder of Jessica Ridgeway. Â The attention paid to this case will certainly raise questions as to juvenile court procedure, and how juvenile court procedure differs from that in adult court.
A juvenile taken into custody is entitled to an initial hearing addressing the validity of his arrest and detention. Â
