2016 Delaware Code
Title 10 - Courts and Judicial Procedures
CHAPTER 9. THE FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
Subchapter III Procedure
§ 1002. Delinquent child not criminal; prosecution limited.
(a) Except as provided in § 1010 of this title, no child shall be deemed a criminal by virtue of an allegation or adjudication of delinquency, nor shall a child be charged with or prosecuted for a crime in any other court. In this Court the nature of the hearing and all other proceedings shall be in the interest of rather than against the child. Except as otherwise provided, there shall be no proceedings other than appellate proceedings in any court other than this Court in the interest of a child alleged to be dependent, neglected, or delinquent.
(b)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no child shall be prosecuted for a crime or act of delinquency arising from conduct that occurred when the child was under the age of 10 unless the delinquency petition includes a motion to determine competency pursuant § 1007A of this title. If the Court finds the child competent, prosecution of the case may resume at the discretion of the State. If the Court finds the child not competent the Court shall, contemporaneous with the entry of such finding, enter a dismissal of the charge or charges, and the State shall petition the Court to expunge the instant record of arrest as set forth in § 1018(f) of this title.
(2) A child under the age of 10 may be referred to and required to participate in any pre or post arrest diversionary program administered by the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services, and such child may be referred to the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health, the Division of Family Services, or any other state agency if the child is believed to be abused, neglected, dependent or otherwise in need of services.
10 Del. C. 1953, § 931; 58 Del. Laws, c. 114, § 1; 69 Del. Laws, c. 205, § 1; 69 Del. Laws, c. 335, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 80 Del. Laws, c. 85, § 1; 80 Del. Laws, c. 175, § 1; 80 Del. Laws, c. 414, § 1.;
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