Juveniles in Connecticut are afforded many of the same rights as adults, including the right to receive notice of allegations, to confront and cross-examine witnesses, to be represented by a lawyer, to be heard and present evidence, and to request release on bail. Most cases begin by apprehension by police, who may issue a warning or take the child into custody. A child taken into custody may be released to parents or guardians or sent to a detention center. A detention hearing is held to determine if the juvenile should be released or further detained. A preliminary investigation then is conducted, after which the case may be informally disposed of or be recommended for hearing by a judge. This is followed by a plea hearing. If the juvenile admits responsibility for the alleged acts, a dispositional hearing will be scheduled. If the child denies responsibility, a contested adjudicatory hearing will be held. In cases of serious delinquency, such as murder or first or second degree assault, a hearing may be held to determine if the case should be transferred to adult court. If a juvenile is found delinquent, a probation investigation will be conducted to provide information for determining the best disposition. At the dispositional hearing, the judge will decide which sentencing option, from issuing a warning to commitment, is most appropriate. A final decision may be appealed. All juvenile court records are confidential and may be erased if the juvenile is found not guilty or if the child completes the orders of the court and is discharged.