How long after an adjudication hearing must an arraignment hearing occur?

The correct answer is that an arraignment hearing must occur within 30 days after an adjudication hearing. This timeframe is established by juvenile court procedure to ensure that the legal process proceeds in a timely manner, allowing for the rights of the juvenile to be upheld while also maintaining the efficiency of the court system.

The purpose of the arraignment hearing is to officially inform the juvenile of the charges and to give them an opportunity to enter a plea. By setting this hearing within a 30-day window post-adjudication, the law seeks to balance the need for the juvenile to be informed and to prepare for their case with the necessity of progressing through the judicial process without unnecessary delays. This is essential for both the juvenile's understanding of their situation and for ensuring swift justice.

Timeliness in juvenile proceedings is critical, as prolonged delays can affect the outcome of the case and the wellbeing of the juvenile involved. Other timeframes specified in the options do not align with established juvenile law procedures, which is why they are not applicable in this context.