(a) When at the time a petition is filed, a juvenile court shall immediately review the petition and may require the petitioner to be sworn and answer under oath questions in regard to the petition and the minor or child sought to be committed.
(b) If it appears from the face of the petition or from the testimony of the petitioner that the petition is totally without merit, the juvenile court shall order the petition dismissed without further proceedings.
Structure Code of Alabama
Chapter 15 - Juvenile Proceedings.
Article 4 - Involuntary Commitment of Minors or Children.
Section 12-15-401 - Definitions.
Section 12-15-402 - Authority and Procedure.
Section 12-15-403 - Review of the Petition by the Juvenile Court.
Section 12-15-404 - Service of the Petition.
Section 12-15-405 - Notice of Hearing; Appointment of Counsel for the Minor or Child.
Section 12-15-406 - Determination of Placement of the Minor or Child.
Section 12-15-407 - Probable Cause Hearings for Temporary Confinement of the Minor or Child.
Section 12-15-408 - Conducting Hearings to Commit the Minor or Child.
Section 12-15-409 - Role of Attorney as Advocate; Designation of Facilities.
Section 12-15-411 - Discharge of the Minor or Child From Custody of the Department.
Section 12-15-412 - Retention of Jurisdiction.
Section 12-15-413 - Combining Probable Cause and Final Hearings.