•May appoint a representative if, based on his own evaluation, he deems a previous
denial was inappropriate.
•Advise the child that he has a right to remain silent and that a waiver of this
right may result in cross-examination or use of his statements at a later court
proceeding.
•Swear in all witnesses.
•Rule on admissibility of evidence, objections, privilege, and motions.
Note: Technical rules of evidence followed in a court of law shall not
apply, but evidence relied upon must be relevant and material. Direct and verified
evidence shall be given the greatest weight in deciding issues in a particular case.
•Use discretion in screening witnesses. Any witness whose testimony would not
be relevant to the issues at hand may be excluded. The hearing officer shall document the
reasons for exclusion.
•Assure that the child has full opportunity to present all relevant information in
his own behalf, including the chance
-to present witnesses and documents
-to question adverse witnesses to the extent necessary to assure that the hearing officer
is accurately informed of the facts
-to examine evidence.
•May at his discretion, order
-the removal of any person present at a hearing when the presence of that person
interferes with the orderly conduct of the hearing, or
-that the child be excluded from any part of the hearing when evidence presented would be
detrimental or his presence would result in danger to self or others.
•Grant a continuance at any time when he determines that
-the child did not receive adequate notice
-the child should have an appointed representative
-the charges must be substantially amended
-additional evidence is necessary
-necessary persons are absent.
Such continuances shall be granted when the facts otherwise could not be fully and
accurately presented.
•Make a record of his findings on each of the charges, his disposition, the
evidence relied upon, and his reasoning.
