State ex rel. Juvenile Department v. J. J.

Youth admitted that he had committed acts that, if committed by an adult, would constitute the crimes of unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. The trial court then ordered him committed to the legal custody of the Oregon Youth Authority. Youth appeals, arguing that the trial court erred in failing to make written findings as required by ORS 419C.478(1).

The state does not dispute that the trial court failed to make the findings required by that statute, but insists that the matter was not preserved and is unreviewable. The state acknowledges that, in State ex rel Juv.…