In the Matter of A.W., 209 N.C. App. 596 (2011)

The court vacated an adjudication of delinquency for indecent liberties between children where the trial court prevented defense counsel from making a closing argument. The appellate court recognized that the right to present a closing argument is an essential component of due process in a juvenile proceeding, and that juveniles are entitled to the same rights as criminal defendants, except for bail, self-representation, and trial by jury under G.S. 7B-2405(6). Because the juvenile’s attorney was denied the opportunity to make a closing argument, the court vacated the indecent liberties adjudication and remanded for a new adjudication hearing.