State v. A.C.

In this juvenile dependency case, the State appeals from a disposition order committing A.C. to a Level 4, low-risk residential program, and an immediately following order modifying A.C.’s commitment to probation. The State correctly argues that the trial court made a procedural “end run” around the requirement that it not depart from Department of Juvenile Justice’s (“DJJ”) recommendations without stated reasons supported by a preponderance of evidence. We reverse for a new disposition.

Facts

The State charged fifteen-year-old A.C. with burglary of a dwelling and grand theft after he and…