During which stage of the youth court process does a suspect first interact with the legal system?

The correct answer is apprehension, as this stage marks the initial interaction between a suspect and the legal system. When an individual is apprehended, they are taken into custody by law enforcement, which formally begins the legal process. This action is significant because it initiates all subsequent steps in the youth court process, such as intake, arraignment, and potential sentencing.

Apprehension usually involves the arrest of the suspect, during which officers may question them about the alleged offense. This stage often sets the groundwork for the youth's legal journey, including determining the next steps regarding charges and potential interventions.

Other stages, such as intake, arraignment, and sentencing/disposition occur later in the legal process. Intake refers to the process where the case is assessed to determine the appropriateness of further legal proceedings. Arraignment involves the formal presentation of charges and the opportunity for the suspect to respond, while sentencing/disposition is the final stage where the consequences of the youth’s actions are determined.