Juvenile Court: A Guide for
Young Adults and Their Parents
Scarecrow Press
December 2008

Each year, millions of teens are cited for various offenses, ranging from traffic violations to criminal trespassing. Regardless of the offense, the majority of these young people arrive in court for the first time, usually unfamiliar with the judicial process and unprepared to stand before a judge.

In this no-holds-barred guide, Leora Krygier, a judicial officer for almost twenty years, provides teens with important information about how to prepare for a court appearance. Krygier addresses the most common types of offenses committed by young people and the specifics of their citations. This instructive guide gives teens and their parents an overview of the juvenile court justice system, then takes the reader through the entire process--from the moment a citation is written, to arraignment, possible trial and disposition of their case.

Drawing on examples, stories, and excerpts from actual letters and essays written by teens, Juvenile Court: A Judge's Guide for Young Adults and Their Parents de-mystifies the judicial process and help teens get back on the right track. The book also offers no-nonsense tips aimed to help teens avoid future citations.

"Leora Krygier's book fills a very significant gap in our literature.  In her uniquely engaging, user-friendly, supportive, and highly informative style, Judge Krygier walks young adults and parents through the complex, often intimidating, maze they are likely to encounter in juvenile court.  This book removes much of the mystery surrounding juvenile court proceedings and gives young adults and parents the basic knowledge they need to pursue constructive outcomes in the event they become involved with the court."

Frederick Reamer, PhD, Professor, School of Social Work, Rhode Island College and Author of “Teens in Crisis – How the Industry Serving Sruggling Teens Helps and Hurts our Kids.”

"Krygier is clearly a youth advocate and writes the book from a place of care and concern for teens who find themselves in complicated, unfamiliar situations. It is immediately clear that in no way does Krygier desire to help get guilty parties off the hook. She does, however, work to remind teens that part of taking responsibility for their actions is respecting the system that is in charge of determining their punishment, which entails becoming educated about the juvenile court system of which they are now a part. Although individual laws and juvenile court systems differ from state to state, Krygier's information still feel thoroughly discussed. Her approach is serious and straightforward, but remains highly readable as a guide or a reference manual."

Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine

"Krygier provides an overview of the entire juvenile criminal justice system process, from the initial police detainment through court appearances and sentencing. She gives specific advice on how to best make one's case in court. For example, bringing certain documents to your hearing, such as character references, can help the judge be favorably disposed. The book even features a glossary of legal terms and an appendix of the types of documents the reader can expect to encounter in the juvenile court process. Tips on preparing for court hearings and eye-opening excerpts from actual letters written to the court by teens about their personal experiences in the system are invaluable. Presented in a straightforward and crisp manner, this is a cru-cial reference guide; but it can also serve to warn youth, and their parents, about the consequences of breaking the law."

Foreword Magazine

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