P.R. Laws Ap. tit. 34A, § 1–A, Rule 7.1

2019-02-21 00:00:00+00
Rule 7.1. Time; rights of the minor

The adjudicative hearing shall be scheduled within sixty (60) days following the determination of probable cause if the minor is under custody of parents or person responsible therefor, or within thirty (30) days, if the minor is being held at a detention center, unless the delay is due to a request from the minor, his parents or guardians, or to a justifiable cause therefor. The judge presiding over the hearing shall not be the same who presided over the determination of probable cause hearing.

The minor has the right to representation by counsel—if he lacks the necessary means therefor, the court shall appoint one—, the right to cross examine witnesses and to introduce evidence in his defense. The Rules of Evidence, App. IV of Title 32, shall apply and the Prosecutor must prove his allegations beyond any reasonable doubt.

The minor shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proven and, in case of reasonable doubt regarding the existence of the alleged offense and its perpetration by the minor, said minor shall be pronounced not liable therefor.