Section 15-11-580. (Effective January 1, 2014) Admission or denial of the allegations of a petition

   (a) At the commencement of the adjudication hearing, the court shall address the alleged delinquent child, in language understandable to the child, and determine whether such child is capable of understanding statements about his or her rights under this article.

(b) If a child is capable, the court shall inquire how he or she responds to the allegations of the delinquency petition. The child may:

   (1) Deny the allegations of such petition, in which case the court shall proceed to hear evidence on such petition; or

   (2) Admit the allegations of such petition, in which case the court shall further inquire to determine whether there is a factual basis for adjudication. If so, the court may then adjudge such child to have committed a delinquent act.

(c) If a child stands mute, refuses to answer, or answers evasively, the court shall enter a denial of the allegations.

Code 1981, § 15-11-580, enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 1-1/HB 242.