The probable cause hearing in JD proceeding may be adjourned for good cause shown, for a period of ____ court days.

• A. 5 court days
• B. 3 court days
• C. 1 court day
• D. 7 court days

Answer: (B)

In a juvenile delinquency proceeding, if a probable cause hearing can’t proceed as scheduled, the court can grant an adjournment for good cause shown, but the time allowed is a short, fixed window. The standard period is three court days. This brief timeframe balances the need to move the process along with the youth’s due process rights and the practical needs of preparing a case. If more time is truly needed, another adjournment can be requested with another showing of good cause, but the default limit focuses on keeping the matter expeditious. Options longer than three days would risk unnecessary delays, while one day would be shorter than the typical allowance.