Detention can be extended up to how many days on demand of the child's attorney to prepare for adjudication hearing?

• A. 5 days
• B. 7 days
• C. 10 days
• D. 14 days

Answer: (C)

When a juvenile is detained, the system recognizes the need to allow enough time for meaningful preparation by the attorney without keeping the child in custody longer than necessary. If the attorney asks for more time to prep for the adjudication hearing, the detention can be extended, but only up to ten days. This limit provides a fair window for reviewing records, interviewing witnesses, and building a defense, while preventing excessive delays. Five or seven days would likely be insufficient for thorough preparation in many cases, and fourteen days could unduly prolong detention. Ten days strikes the balance and is the maximum allowed in this situation.