Alabama § 12-15-117 - Retention and Termination of Jurisdiction Generally.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 12-15-117 — Retention and Termination of Jurisdiction Generally., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12-15-117. Retention and Termination of Jurisdiction Generally.

(a) Once a child has been adjudicated dependent, delinquent, or in need of supervision, jurisdiction of the juvenile court shall terminate when the child becomes 21 years of age unless, prior thereto, the judge of the juvenile court terminates its jurisdiction by explicitly stating in a written order that it is terminating jurisdiction over the case involving the child. Nothing in this section is intended to affect the initial and continuing jurisdiction of juvenile courts over cases other than delinquency, dependency, or in need of supervision cases as provided in Sections 12-15-114, 12-15-115, 12-15-116, or any other statute by which jurisdiction was initially lawfully invoked.

(b) The jurisdiction of the juvenile court shall terminate when the child is convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender as provided in Section 12-15-203(i) and Section 12-15-204(b). If a person already under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court is convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender in a criminal court of a crime committed at the age of 18 or older, the conviction or adjudication shall terminate the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.

(c) In any case over which the juvenile court has jurisdiction, the juvenile court shall retain jurisdiction over an individual of any age to enforce or modify any prior orders of the juvenile court unless otherwise provided by law and also shall retain jurisdiction for the enforcement or modification of any prior orders of the juvenile court requiring the payment of fines, court costs, restitution, or other money ordered by the juvenile court until paid in full.

(d) For purposes of enforcing any order of the juvenile court requiring the payment of fines, court costs, restitution, or other money ordered by the juvenile court, the remedies with regard to punishment for contempt, including incarceration in jail of individuals 18 years of age or older, shall be available to the juvenile court.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 12-15-117

What does Code of Alabama § 12-15-117 cover?

Section 12-15-117 ("Retention and Termination of Jurisdiction Generally.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 12-15-117?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 12-15-117" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 12-15-117 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.