14-6-219. Copies of the examination reports shall be made

14-6-219. Copies of the examination reports shall be made available to the child's parents, guardian, custodian or attorney upon request.

14-6-222. Advising of right to counsel required; appointment of counsel; verification of financial condition.

(a) At their first appearance before the court the child and his parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of their right to be represented by counsel at every stage of the proceedings including appeal, and to employ counsel of their own choice.

(b) The court shall upon request appoint counsel who may be the guardian ad litem to represent the child if the child, his parents, guardian, custodian or other person responsible for the child's support are unable to obtain counsel. If appointment of counsel is requested, the court shall require the child and his parents, guardian, custodian or other person legally responsible for the child's support to verify their financial condition under oath, either by written affidavit signed and sworn to by the parties or by sworn testimony made a part of the record of the proceedings. The affidavit or sworn testimony shall state they are without sufficient money, property, assets or credit to employ counsel in their own behalf. The court may require further verification of financial condition if it deems necessary. If the child requests counsel and his parents, guardian, custodian or other person responsible for the child's support is able but unwilling to obtain counsel for the child, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the child and may direct reimbursement of counsel fees under W.S. 14-6-235(c).

(c) The court may appoint counsel for any party when necessary in the interest of justice.

(d) Counsel representing a child alleged to be delinquent under this act shall consider among other things what is in the best interest of the child.

14-6-223. Privilege against self-incrimination; rights of parties generally; demand for and conduct of jury trial.

(a) A child alleged to be delinquent may remain silent and need not be a witness against or otherwise incriminate himself, whether before the court voluntarily, by subpoena or otherwise.

(b) A party to any proceeding under this act is entitled to:

(i) A copy of all charges made against him;

(ii) Confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses;

(iii) Introduce evidence, present witnesses and otherwise be heard in his own behalf; and

(iv) Issue of process by the court to compel the appearance of witnesses or the production of evidence.

(c) A party against whom a petition has been filed or the district attorney may demand a trial by jury at an adjudicatory hearing. The jury shall be composed of jurors selected, qualified and compensated as provided by law for the trial of civil matters in the district court. The jury may also be selected from the prospective jurors on the base jury list residing within five (5) miles of the city or town where the trial is to be held, whichever the court directs. Demand for a jury trial must be made to the court not later than ten (10) days after the party making the demand is advised of his right to a jury trial. No deposit for jury fees is required. Failure of a party to demand a jury is a waiver of this right.

14-6-224. Conduct of hearings generally; exclusion of general public and child; exceptions; consolidations permitted.

(a) Unless a jury trial is demanded, hearings under this act shall be conducted by the court without a jury in an informal but orderly manner and separate from other proceedings not included in W.S. 14-6-203. The district attorney shall present evidence in support of the petition and otherwise represent the state. If the allegations in the petition are denied, adjudicatory and disposition hearings shall be recorded by the court reporter or by electronic, mechanical or other appropriate means.

(b) Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of court, the general public are excluded from hearings under this act. Only the parties, counsel for the parties, jurors, witnesses, victims and members of their immediate families and other persons the court finds having a proper interest in the proceedings or in the work of the court shall be admitted. If the court finds it necessary in the best interest of the child, the child may be temporarily excluded from any hearing except while evidence is being received at an adjudicatory hearing in support of the allegations of his delinquency.

(c) Hearings on two (2) or more petitions may be consolidated for purposes of adjudication when the allegations in the petitions pertain to the same act or offense constituting the alleged delinquency. Separate hearings on the petitions may be held thereafter for purposes of disposition.

(d) Repealed by Laws 2004, Ch. 127, § 3.

14-6-225. Burden of proof required; verdict of jury; effect thereof.

(a) Allegations that a child has committed a delinquent act must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.  (b) If trial by jury is demanded, the jury shall decide issues of fact raised by the petition and return its verdict as to the truth of the allegations contained in the petition. A finding by the jury that the allegations are true is not deemed a conviction of guilt, but is a determination that judicial intervention is necessary for the best interest and welfare of the child and the public.

14-6-226. Initial appearance; adjudicatory or transfer hearing; entry of decree and disposition; evidentiary matters; continuance of disposition hearing.

(a) At their initial hearing, which may be held after a detention or shelter care hearing or a transfer hearing, the child and his parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of their rights under law and as provided in this act. They shall also be advised of the specific allegations in the petition and given an opportunity to admit or deny them, unless motion is made to the court to transfer the allegations of delinquency against the minor to another court. They shall also be advised of the possible liability for costs of treatment or services pursuant to this act or W.S. 25-11-101 through