The Vermont Statutes Online

Title 33 : Human Services

Chapter 052A : Youthful Offenders

• § 5283. Hearing in Family Division

  (a) Timeline. Unless the State’s Attorney refers the youth directly to court diversion pursuant to subsection 5280(e) of this title, a youthful offender consideration hearing shall be held not later than 60 days after the transfer of the case from the Criminal Division or filing of a youthful offender petition in the Family Division.

  (b) Notice. Notice of the hearing shall be provided to the State’s Attorney; the youth; the youth’s parent, guardian, or custodian; the Department; and the Department of Corrections.

  (c) Hearing procedure.

  (1) If the motion is contested, all parties shall have the right to present evidence and examine witnesses. Hearsay may be admitted and may be relied on to the extent of its probative value. If reports are admitted, the parties shall be afforded an opportunity to examine those persons making the reports, but sources of confidential information need not be disclosed.

  (2) For individuals who had attained 18 years of age but not 22 years of age at the time the act is alleged to have been committed, hearings under 5284(a) of this title shall be open to the public. All other youthful offender proceedings shall be confidential.

  (d) Burden of proof. The burden of proof shall be on the moving party to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a child should be granted youthful offender status. If the court makes the motion, the burden shall be on the youth.

  (e) Further hearing. On its own motion or the motion of a party, the court may schedule a further hearing to obtain reports or other information necessary for the appropriate disposition of the case. (Added 2017, No. 72, § 5, eff. July 1, 2018; amended 2019, No. 45, § 7, eff. May 30, 2019.)