What document is filed only if a court or prosecutor finds probable cause for a juvenile's delinquency?

The petition is the document filed when a court or prosecutor determines that there is probable cause to believe that a juvenile has committed an act of delinquency. This document initiates the formal legal proceedings against the juvenile, outlining the alleged delinquent behavior and the legal basis for the charge.

In juvenile court proceedings, the petition serves a vital role, as it is the formal accusation that leads to an adjudicatory hearing where the court will consider the evidence and decide on the merits of the case. It also informs the juvenile and their legal representatives of the specific allegations being made.

The other options, while they all relate to juvenile court processes, do not serve the same function as the petition. For example, an intake report serves as a preliminary assessment to determine if further action is warranted but is not a formal charging document. A disposition order is issued after a finding of delinquency, outlining the consequences for the juvenile, and a charge sheet typically pertains to adult criminal cases rather than juvenile matters. Therefore, the petition is the essential document that indicates a finding of probable cause and marks the beginning of formal legal proceedings in juvenile delinquency cases.