The Juvenile Division of the D.A.’s Office is charged with the task of evaluating complaints against juveniles and prosecuting all juveniles that are charged with a criminal act. Also, this department handles complaints of child abuse and neglect.
Persons under the age of 17 who commit crimes are prosecuted as juveniles; however, in the case of a felony crime with special circumstances, the juvenile may be prosecuted as an adult. This recomendation is made by the First Assistant District Attorney and Assistant District Attorney Vanessa Harris, who is in charge of juvenile matters. District Attorney Taylor will ultimately make the final decision.
Juvenile cases are screened before prosecution for the possibility of diversion. Juvenile diversion, which is headed by Janel Dugas, is for first time offenders of misdemeanors who have the potential to benefit from diversion rather than being prosecuted in a court of law.
In addition, other juvenile services such as the Access to Success Youth Program, Truancy Abatement Program and TASC are programs that D.A. Earl Taylor has developed to aid in the prevention and rehabilitation of juveniles in St. Landry Parish.
For more information on juvenile services, contact Elizabeth St. Romain at (337) 948-0559.