Disposition Hearing Law and Legal Definition
The disposition hearing is the sentencing stage of the juvenile proceedings, and its purpose is to provide a program of treatment, training, and rehabilitation. It is a hearing held to determine the most appropriate form of custody or treatment for a juvenile who has been found at an adjudicatory hearing. [In re J. L. D., 1981 Tex. App. LEXIS 4040 (Tex. App. El Paso 1981)].
There are three dispositional alternatives available to the juvenile court:
1.If at the disposition hearing the court makes the finding that the child is in need of rehabilitation, or
2.that the protection of the public or the child requires that disposition be made,
3. the court may place the child on probation.
At the disposition hearing, the district attorney and the minor can show the court evidence to help the judge decide. The victim can also give the court a written or oral statement at the disposition hearing. The judge can then consider several aspects when reaching a decision, including how to protect the community and keep it safe, how to correct the victim's injury, and what is the best solution for dealing with the minor.
