Art. 811 When jeopardy begins

If a child denies the charges in the petition (like pleading not guilty), the case reaches a key legal point called "jeopardy" once the first witness takes an oath and starts testifying at the hearing. From that moment on, double jeopardy protections apply. This means the state generally cannot try the child again for the same offense once this point is reached.

If the child admits to the charges instead (similar to pleading guilty), jeopardy starts at a different time. It begins when the judge officially issues a valid disposition, meaning the court has decided what will happen to the child as a result of the case. This becomes the court's judgment.

Knowing when jeopardy begins matters because it affects the child's legal protections. Once jeopardy attaches, the child cannot be tried again for the same act in most situations. The timing depends on whether the child is contesting the charges or accepting responsibility for them.