Juvenile
Juvenile
In Minnesota, district courts handle juvenile cases where a child under 18 is accused of breaking the law, from curfew violations to serious crimes. These cases follow special rules that are different from adult criminal court. Most hearings are private, unless the child is over 16 and charged with a serious offense. Juvenile court also handles CHIPS (Child in Need of Protection or Services) cases. These involve children who may be abused, neglected, truant, runaway, or otherwise need help. The goal is to keep children safe, either at home or in foster care, and reunite families when possible.