What is Consent Calendar?
Consent Calendar is a juvenile diversion program. When a juvenile commits a crime, with the exception of some serious offenses, the court has several options on how to proceed. One of these options is referred to as “Consent Calendar”.
Generally, Consent Calendar is reserved for low-level offenses and juveniles that have not been in trouble before. Consent Calendar is essentially a plea bargain between the prosecutor, the court, and the juvenile. All parties must agree that diversion is appropriate.
By entering into this agreement, the juvenile gives up his or her trial rights. The juvenile is then given a case plan. This plan typically includes probation and other terms which is aimed at rehabilitating the juvenile.
The juvenile benefits in several ways from a Consent Calendar agreement. First, the court makes the case file nonpublic. Second, if the juvenile successfully completes the case plan, the file is destroyed. If this happens, there will be no public record of the case ever existing. Third, if the juvenile does not successfully complete the case plan outlined in the agreement, the court can transfer the case to the formal calendar. If this happens, the juvenile is entitled to a hearing to determine if the transfer is appropriate and will have an opportunity to reassert their trial rights.
Overall, a Consent Calendar agreement can be very beneficial to a juvenile facing criminal charges. This article is a simple overview. If you have specific questions, or need assistance, contact an attorney to discuss your case in detail.
***This post is not legal advice. If you have questions or need assistance, contact an attorney.***
Kyle Strobridge – Attorney/Co-Owner of Strobridge & Hunter, Attorneys at Law, PLC