Under what circumstance may the District Attorney decline prosecution of a child and file a petition?

The correct scenario for the District Attorney to decline prosecution of a child and instead file a petition occurs if the child is in detention within 72 hours. This aligns with juvenile justice principles that prioritize timely legal processes. If a child is detained, there’s a critical concern for their welfare and rights, and the judicial system must promptly address their status. Under these circumstances, the District Attorney may opt to file a petition instead of proceeding with formal prosecution, which could expedite the process toward resolution and potentially lead to alternative measures focused on rehabilitation rather than strictly punitive actions.

In contrast, options related to the child's prior delinquency records, such as being a repeat offender or having no prior records, do not inherently dictate the decision on whether to prosecute or file a petition. The timing of detention is a more direct concern when considering how justice should be served for minors, placing an emphasis on their immediate circumstances.