Minn. R. Juv. P. 2.03

As amended through October 28, 2024
Rule 2.03 - Presence Required

Subdivision 1. Child. The child shall have the right to be present at all hearings. The child is deemed to waive the right to be present if the child voluntarily and without justification is absent after the hearing has commenced or if the child disrupts the proceedings. Disruption of the proceedings occurs if the child, after warning by the court, engages in conduct which interrupts the orderly procedure and decorum of the court. If the child is removed from the courtroom, the court shall state the reasons for the removal on the record. Except at trials and dispositional hearings, the child's appearance may be waived if the child is hospitalized in a psychiatric ward and the treating physician states in writing the reasons why not appearing would serve the child's best interests.

Subd. 2. Counsel.

(A) Counsel for the child shall be present at all hearings.
(B) The prosecuting attorney shall be present or available for all hearings unless excused by the court in its discretion.

Subd. 3. Parent, Legal Guardian or Legal Custodian. The parent, legal guardian or legal custodian of a child who is the subject of a delinquency or extended jurisdiction juvenile proceeding shall accompany the child to all hearings unless excused by the court for good cause shown. If such person fails to attend a hearing with the child without excuse, the court may issue an arrest warrant and/or hold the person in contempt. The court may proceed if it is in the best interests of the child to do so even if the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian fails to appear.

Minn. R. Juv. P. 2.03

Amended June 5, 2024, effective 7/1/2024.