What is determined during an adjudicatory hearing?

During an adjudicatory hearing, the focus is on determining the guilt or innocence of an individual, particularly in juvenile cases. This hearing serves as a crucial step in the legal process, where evidence is presented, witnesses may testify, and the judge evaluates the information to reach a verdict. This process is similar to a trial in adult court, where the facts of the case are established and a decision is made regarding the minor's involvement in the alleged offense.

The other options address different stages or aspects of the judicial process. For instance, the legal status of a minor's arrest is usually addressed prior to the adjudicatory hearing, not during it. Eligibility for probation pertains to the decisions made after a verdict is reached, typically in a disposition hearing rather than an adjudicatory one. Sentencing is reserved for convicted individuals and occurs after guilt has been established, which is outside the scope of what occurs in an adjudicatory hearing. Therefore, the central role of the adjudicatory hearing is to ascertain the guilt or innocence of the accused party.