Washington statute
RCW 13.40.600 — Youth court jurisdiction
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 13.40: Juvenile Justice Act Of 1977, Revised Code of Washington.
Full text of RCW 13.40.600
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.
(1) Youth courts have authority over juveniles ages eight through seventeen who:
(a) Along with their parent, guardian, or legal custodian, voluntarily and in writing request youth court involvement;
(b) Admit they have committed the offense they are referred for;
(c) Along with their parent, guardian, or legal custodian, waive any privilege against self-incrimination concerning the offense; and
(d) Along with their parent, guardian, or legal custodian, agree to comply with the youth court disposition of the case.
(2) Youth courts shall not exercise authority over youth who are under the continuing jurisdiction of the juvenile court for law violations, including a youth with a matter pending before the juvenile court but which has not yet been adjudicated.
(3) Youth courts may decline to accept a youth for youth court disposition for any reason and may terminate a youth from youth court participation at any time.
(4) A youth or his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian may withdraw from the youth court process at any time.
(5) Youth courts shall give any victims of a juvenile the opportunity to be notified, present, and heard in any youth court proceeding.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.