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Terms Used In Wisconsin Statutes 48.243

  • Adult: means a person who has attained the age of 18 years, except that for purposes of investigating or prosecuting a person who is alleged to have violated any state or federal criminal law or any civil law or municipal ordinance, "adult" means a person who has attained the age of 17 years. See Wisconsin Statutes 990.01
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Following: when used by way of reference to any statute section, means the section next following that in which the reference is made. See Wisconsin Statutes 990.01
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, symbols or figures. See Wisconsin Statutes 990.01
  • Person: includes all partnerships, associations and bodies politic or corporate. See Wisconsin Statutes 990.01
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
   (1)    Before conferring with the parent, expectant mother or child during the intake inquiry, the intake worker shall personally inform parents, expectant mothers and children 12 years of age or older who are the focus of an inquiry regarding the need for protection or services that the referral may result in a petition to the court and of all of the following:
      (a)    What allegations could be in the petition.
      (b)    The nature and possible consequences of the proceedings.
      (c)    The right to remain silent and the fact that silence of any party may be relevant.
      (d)    The right to confront and cross-examine those appearing against them.
      (e)    The right to counsel under s. 48.23.
      (f)    The right to present and subpoena witnesses.
      (g)    The right to a jury trial.
      (h)    The right to have the allegations of the petition proved by clear and convincing evidence.
   (3)   If the child or expectant mother has not had a hearing under s. 48.21 or 48.213 and was not present at an intake conference under s. 48.24, the intake worker shall inform the child, parent, guardian and legal custodian, or expectant mother, as appropriate, of the basic rights provided under this section. The notice shall be given verbally, either in person or by telephone, and in writing. This notice shall be given so as to allow the child, parent, guardian, legal custodian or adult expectant mother sufficient time to prepare for the plea hearing. This subsection does not apply to cases of informal disposition under s. 48.245.
   (4)   This section does not apply if the child or expectant mother was present at a hearing under s. 48.21 or 48.213.