Rule 3 Commencement of Proceedings
Rule Text
(a) Juvenile delinquency proceedings shall ordinarily be commenced by a swom Complaint by someone having personal knowledge of at least some of the essential facts Involved. They may also be commenced by infonnation of delinquency signed by the Attomey General or someone authorized by him. The complainant, or person bringing the infonnation, shall present it personally to a judge of the court. If the judge, after confelTing with this person, deems that court action is in the public interest and the facts alleged in the complaint or infonnation would constitute a crime if committed by an adult of sound mind, the judge may issue a summons to the child and to one or both of his parents or any person having custody of the child, to appear and answer the complaint or infonnation. If the judge deems that an infonnal conference with the parents or other person having custody of the child will be in the public interest before deciding on any court action, he may refer the matter to the police or any probation officer, school authority, representative of a church the child is connected with, or other suitable person, for investigation and report to the court before deciding whether or not to issue any process.
(b) If a summons to answer a complaint or infonnation in such proceedings is used and either the child or the person summoned as the parent or person having custody fails to comply herewith, without good cause known to the court, the court may either issue an order to show cause why either or both of them should not be adjudged in contempt, or may order that a policeman or other person designated to serve the order shall take physical custody of the child and bring him as directly as possible before the court at a time and place designated in the order or as soon thereafter as practicable.
(c) If all the essential parties appear voluntarily before the court in response to any fonn of notice, the comt may proceed without the issuance of any process.
(d) The complaint or infonnation may be amended at any time before adjudication in the same manner as in criminal case.