Parties

Complainant

A complainant is a victim of, or a witness to, the crime. Usually, this is the same person who reported the crime to the police and accuses another of committing an act which would constitute a criminal offense if committed by an adult. Sometimes the complainant is a police officer.

Respondent

A respondent is an individual, aged 7 to 15, against whom a juvenile delinquency petition is filed in Family Court.

Assistant Corporation Counsel (ACC)

The Assistant Corporation Counsel (ACC) is an attorney for the City. In a Family Court proceeding, the ACC represents the presentment agency/prosecutor. If a matter is referred to the Law Department and the Law Department determines that a petition should be filed, the ACC presents the case on behalf of the Law Department in court.

Attorney for the Child

The Attorney for the Child is the lawyer for the respondent. Once a case is filed, the judge determines whether the respondent qualifies for free legal representation. If so, the court will assign a lawyer to represent him or her. Alternatively, the respondent may choose his or her own lawyer.