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FAMILY COURT SHOULD HAVE GRANTED AN ADJOURNMENT IN CONTEMPLATION OF DISMISSAL AS THE LEAST RESTRICTIVE ALTERNATIVE, RATHER THAN IMPOSING A PERIOD OF PROBATION; PETITION DISMISSED.

The Second Department determined a juvenile, Nigel H, who admitted committing what would constitute a misdemeanor arson offense, should have been granted an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal as the least restrictive sentencing alternative. The period of probation should not have been imposed. Because the probation term had expired, the court dismissed the petition, noting the potential consequences of a record of the offense:

 

The Family Court was required to impose the least restrictive available alternative consistent with the needs and best interests of Nigel H. and the need for protection of the community (see Family Ct Act § 352.2[2][a]). This “least restrictive available alternative” requirement compels the Family Court to balance the needs of the juvenile and the need for the protection of the community (see Family Ct Act § 352.2[2][a]…).

… [T]he least restrictive dispositional alternative available to the Family Court in this juvenile delinquency proceeding was the imposition of an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. Family Court Act § 315.3(1) provides, in relevant part, that “[a]n adjournment in contemplation of dismissal is an adjournment of the proceeding, for a period not to exceed six months, with a view to ultimate dismissal of the petition in furtherance of justice.” Permissible terms and conditions of an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal may include “supervision by the probation service” (Family Ct Act § 315.3[2]). * * *

Here, the Family Court improvidently exercised its discretion in imposing a period of probation. Given Nigel H.’s many positive characteristics, his lack of prior criminal or behavioral issues, the services and support he is already receiving as a result of his placement in foster care, and the minimal risk that he poses to the community, an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal was warranted … . Matter of Nigel H., 2016 NY Slip Op 01326, 2nd Dept 2-24-16

 

FAMILY LAW (JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, COURT SHOULD HAVE GRANTED AN ADJOURNMENT IN CONTEMPLATION OF DISMISSAL RATHER THAN IMPOSING A PERIOD OF PROBATION)/JUVENILES (FAMILY COURT SHOULD HAVE GRANTED AN ADJOURNMENT IN CONTEMPLATION OF DISMISSAL RATHER THAN IMPOSING A PERIOD OF PROBATION)/LEAST RESTRICTIVE ALTERNATIVE (FAMILY COURT SHOULD HAVE GRANTED AN ADJOURNMENT IN CONTEMPLATION OF DISMISSAL RATHER THAN IMPOSING A PERIOD OF PROBATION)/SENTENCING (JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, FAMILY COURT SHOULD HAVE GRANTED AN ADJOURNMENT IN CONTEMPLATION OF DISMISSAL RATHER THAN IMPOSING A PERIOD OF PROBATION)

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