Juvenile Jurisdiction

Juvenile jurisdiction of circuit courts over proceedings related to and controlled by these rules is as provided in West Virginia Code § 49-4-701. Magistrates, as juvenile referees, act under the jurisdiction of the appointing circuit court to the extent authorized by statute. Pre-petition diversion generally relating to all alleged status and delinquency offenses is within circuit court jurisdiction as authorized under West Virginia Code §§ 49-4-702, -702a, -703, and -725. Pre-petition diversion specifically relating to alleged delinquency offenses involving sexting is within circuit court jurisdiction as authorized under West Virginia Code § 49-4-717.