Applicability to adult cases; offenses and penalties; jury trial

§ 16–2314. Applicability to adult cases; offenses and penalties; jury trial (a) All provisions of this subchapter relative to procedure in cases of children so far as practicable apply also to cases against adults arising under section 11–1551, 11–1554, 11–1555, or 11–1556, or any of the sections referred to in section 11–1557, with the consent of the defendant, or when not inconsistent with other provisions of law relating to the conduct of adult cases. Proceedings may be instituted upon complaint of an interested party or upon the court’s own. motion, and a reasonable opportunity to appear shall be afforded the respondent. 77 Stat. 591The court may issue a summons, a warrant of arrest, or other process in order to secure or to compel the attendance of a necessary person. (b) Whoever, by act or omission, willfully causes, encourages, or contributes to a condition which would bring a child within the provisions of section 11–1551 or tends to cause such a condition, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be fined not more than $200 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Upon the trial, the court may impose such sentence as the law provides, or may suspend sentence and place on probation, and by order impose upon the adult such duty as is deemed to be for the best interests of the child or other persons concerned. If an adult is charged with an offense for which he is entitled to a trial by jury, he shall be so tried unless he expressly waives his right to jury trial.