The Juvenile Section is responsible for reviewing, charging and resolving felony and misdemeanor cases involving youth under the age of eighteen. The Section handles all cases arising throughout Pierce County. Over 5500 cases are reviewed annually and over 2000 result in criminal charges being filed. The remaining cases are either sent to diversion or do not meet charging criteria.

We place strong emphasis on rehabilitating young offenders to prevent recidivism.

We divert less serious cases to community-based panels outside the justice system. We participate with intervention programs focusing on 'at risk' youth, and with juvenile 'drug court', designed to treat addicts.

We aggressively prosecute the most serious offenders in order to hold them accountable for their behavior and they are occasionally 'declined' to adult court for prosecution and imprisonment in the adult criminal justice system.

This Section also enforces the truancy laws and works closely with local schools and parents to encourage youth to attend school. Over 1000 truancy cases are filed annually.