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ple vs. Quichocho/CRA 97-003/Opinion
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\b\insrsid8812565\charrsid8812565 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 PEOPLE OF THE TERRITORY OF GUAM,}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par Plaintiff-Appellant,}{\insrsid13389794 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid8812565\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 vs.}{\insrsid13389794 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 DOREEN QUICHOCHO,}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par Defendant-Appellee.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Supreme Court Case No. CRA97-003
\par Superior Court Case No. CM0494-96
\par Filed: October 24, 1997
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Cite as: 1997 Guam 13
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam
\par Argued and Submitted on 21 August 1997
\par Agana, Guam
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Appearing for the Plaintiff-Appellant:}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par Donna L. Rodriguez, Esq.
\par Assistant Attorney General
\par Office of the Attorney General
\par Suite 2-200E. Judicial Center Bldg.
\par 120 West O}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Brien Drive
\par Agana, Guam 96910}{\insrsid13389794 
\par }{\insrsid8812565\charrsid8812565 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Appearing for the Defendant-Appellee:}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par Louie J. Yanza, Esq.
\par 208 J&R Building, Suite 202
\par Route 4, Agana, Guam 96910}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 ____________________
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 OPINION}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 BEFORE: PETER C. SIGUENZA, Chief Justice, JANET HEALY WEEKS, and JOSE LEON GUERRERO}{\cs15\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \chftn {\footnote 
\pard\plain \ql \fi720\li-720\ri-720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin-720\lin-720\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid13389794 \chftn }{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 Part time.
\par }}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 , Associate Justices.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 WEEKS. J.:
\par }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \fi432\li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
The People of the Territory of Guam seek reversal of a Superior Court judgment dismissing petty misdemeanor charges against the Defendant-Appellee Doreen C. Quichocho for lack of jurisdiction.}{\insrsid8812565  }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
This Court, having reviewed the record, the briefs and the applicable law finds that the trial court erred in dismissing the action against the Defendant-Appellee. For the reasons set forth below, we reverse the lower court}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 s dismissal of the charges.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \li432\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin432\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 I.}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [1]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab The Defendan
t-Appellee was detained at the Town House Department Store for shoplifting on 23 April 1995. At the time the offense was allegedly committed, she was 17 years old, twenty-eight days shy of her eighteenth birthday. On 25 March 1996, almost a year after the
 offense and after Quichocho turned eighteen, the Appellee was formally charged with theft by deception by the Prosecution Division of the Office of the Attorney General.}{\insrsid13389794 
\par }{\insrsid8812565\charrsid8812565 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [2]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab In a written decision filed 17 January 1997 the complaint against the Defendant-Ap
pellee was dismissed by the superior Court for lack of jurisdiction. The trial court first determined that the Family Court Act was ambiguous and noted a conflict between 19 GUAM CODE ANN. }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 5103(a)(4)(1993), which gives the Family Court jurisdiction over any person under eighteen at the time legal proceedings commence, and 19 GCA }{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 5106, which provides a certification procedure for persons older than sixteen and less than
 eighteen at the time the alleged offense is committed, and where such an offense is a serious crime. In dismissing the charges, the lower court determined that:}{\insrsid8812565  }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
the date the offense is committed is the proper time for determining Family Court jurisdictio
n; Quichocho was under eighteen at the time of the offense; and she was within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Family Court. the Government has timely appealed that decision.}{\insrsid8812565 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 II.}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [3]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab This Court has jurisdiction over this appeal pursuant to 48 U.S.C. }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 1424-3(d)(1984). The sole issue presented is whether the Family court has jurisdiction over an individual who committed an offense while under e
ighteen, but was charged after the person turned eighteen years old. The question is one of jurisdiction and involves interpretation of the applicable statute conferring such jurisdiction. Issues of statutory construction and jurisdiction are reviewed de 
novo. }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 United States v. Brian N.,}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  900 F.2d 218, 220 (10}{\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 th}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  Cir. 1990); }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
United States v. Lewis, }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 67 F.3d 225, 228 (9}{\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 th}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
 Cir. 1995). The Family Court is a court of limited jurisdiction whose jurisdiction may be restricted by the legislature.}{\insrsid8812565  }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Woodard v. Wainwright, }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 556 F.2d 781 (5}{
\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 th}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  Cir. 1977). This court will review the applicable jurisdictional statutes cognizant of the limited nature of the Family Court}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 s jurisdiction.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [4]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab The Appellant urges a plain reading of the F
amily Court Act in contending that an individual is only a child for Family Court jurisdiction if he is charged before he turns eighteen. The Appellee argues that this court should interpret the Family Court Act in a manner which, in her opinion, avoids a
n unjust result. Under such an interpretation, Family Court jurisdiction is inferred from the certification procedures of 19 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 5106(a) and attaches on the date the offense is committed. The Appellee contends that to read the statute otherwise would allow the government to circumvent the certification procedures of 19 GCA }{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 5106 by giving the government the discretion to file charges in either the Superior Court or the F
amily Court.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [5]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab The law on statutory construction is well-settled. if a statute is unambiguous, then judicial inquiry is complete. }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
Rubin v. United States, }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 449 U.S. 424 (1981). In determining whether a statute is ambiguous, the Court examines the }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 language of the statute and the }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 60 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
structure of the law as a whole including its object and policy}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Hotels of Marianas, Inc. v. Government of Guam, }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 71 F.3d 1455, 1459 (9}{
\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 th}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  Cir. 1995); }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 See also Rubin v. United States, 449 U.S. 424. }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
(finding a statute unambiguous if language consistent with history and purpose of the act.) This Court finds th
at the meaning of the statute at issue is plain, clear and unambiguous. The Family Court does not have jurisdiction over an individual who was a minor at the time the offense was committed, but was an adult when the individual was actually charged.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [6]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab Public Law 17-12, known as the Family Court Act, was enacted into law: (1) to establish the Family Court; and (2) to amend 9 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 7.10 to conform with the Family Court}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 s jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of the Family Court is set forth at 19 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 5103. 19 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
5103 establishes that the Family Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction in proceedings }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
(a) Concerning any }{\ul\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 child}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  living or found within the territory of Guam . . . (4) who is alleged to have violated any territorial law.}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  (Emphasis added). }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Child}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  is defined as }{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
a person less than eighteen (18) years of age on the date the legal proceedings are first commenced against him.}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  19 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 5102(d). Therefore, for Family Court jurisdict
ion to attach, the individual must be a child, and a person is only a child if they are under the age of eighteen on the date legal proceedings are commenced against that person. 19 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 5103.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [7]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab Appellee}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
s argument that 19 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
 5106 implies Family Court jurisdiction over a child under eighteen when the offense is committed is simply erroneous. 19 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 5106 is not a statute which vests jurisdiction; in fact, it sets forth situations in which the Family Court may lose jurisdiction.}{\cs15\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid13389794 \chftn }{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 19 GCA }{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 5106 is titled, }{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 
Certification for Criminal Proceedings}{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 
 and provides a procedure for certifying as an adult, a child who is sixteen (16) years of age or older at the time he allegedly commits a 
misdemeanor or felony of the third degree and automatically divests the Family Court of jurisdiction if a child who is sixteen (16) years of age or older commits a felony of the first or second degree.}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  Before 19 GCA }{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
5106 is even available to a certain individual, it must first be determined that the individual is a child who falls under the jurisdiction of the Family Court. Under 19 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 5102(d), an individual is only 
a child if he or she is under eighteen on the date legal proceedings commence against the person. Therefore, to obtain the benefit of a certification hearing, both the date of the offense and the date legal proceedings commence must occur while the indivi
dual is under eighteen.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [8]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab To further confirm the date of charging as the relevant jurisdictional date, Public Law 17-12 amended 9 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 7.10, entitled }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Exemption from Criminal Liability Due to Juvenile Status}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  to read:

\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
No person may be tried for or convicted for an offense if:}{\insrsid13389794 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid8812565\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 (a) his age at the time he is charged with an offense places him within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Family Division of the Superior Court.}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par This exemption statute confirms the age at the time of charging (i.e., the date legal proceedings commence) as determinative of Family Court jurisdiction.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [9]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab This Court}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
s reading of the statute is consistent with the object, policy and history of the Family Court Act and clearly supports the Appellant}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 s contention that Family Court jurisdiction vests upon the charging of an offense prior to the suspect}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}
}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 s eighteenth birthday.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [10]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab 
Although the language of the statute is clear and unambiguous, a review of the legislative history confirms the plain meaning of the statute. P.L. No. 17-12 was introduced as Bill 78 and heard by the Seventeenth Guam Legislature}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 s Committee on Federal, Foreign and Legal Affairs on March 28, 1983.}{\insrsid8812565  }{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Testimony which commented on Bill 78 clearly indicated that, for purposes of Family Court jurisdiction over criminal offenses, the relevant date is
 the date legal proceedings are commenced, and more specifically, the date of charging.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [11]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab The Compiler of Law, Charles H. Troutman, testified before the legislature that:}{\insrsid13389794 
\par }{\insrsid8812565\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri432\widctlpar\faauto\rin432\lin720\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
this Bill, provide[s] that a person will be treated as a juvenile if he is }{\ul\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 charged}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
 while a juvenile. If he is charged when an adult, regardless of when he committed the crime, and assuming that the prosecution did not use bad faith in deliberately delaying the case, then he will be treated as an adult.}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par Letter from Charles H. Troutman, Compiler of Laws, Office of the Attorney General to Senator Eugene Ramsey, Chairman of the Committee on Federal, Foreign & Legal Affairs, 17}{\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 th}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
 Guam Legislature (March 28, 1983) (hereinafter }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Troutman Letter}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 ). The Territorial Prosecutor, Russell E. Weller Jr., presented written testimony which noted: }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
Section 3 of the proposed bill makes the defendants [sic] age at the time he is charged with an offense the determining factor on whether or not the defendant is tried as an adult or as a juvenile. . . .I personally support this sort of legis
lation, and feel that the decision on whether or not to proceed in adult or juvenile court is properly left to the prosecutor.}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid8812565  }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Letter from Russell E. Weller Jr., Territorial Prosecutor, Office of the Territorial Prosecutor to Senator Eugene Ramsey, Chairman of the Committee on Federal, Foreign & Legal Affairs, 17}{
\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 th}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  Guam Legislature (April 8, 1983) (hereinafter }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Weller letter}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 ).
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [12]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab The date legal proceedings commence was also understood to mean the date of charging. Russell E. Weller Jr. testified: }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 It should be made clear that legal proceedings is the filing of charging instrument, not an arrest or a detention by juvenile or police authorities.}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 See }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Weller letter, page 2.}{
\insrsid8812565  }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Charles H. Troutman also used charging as shorthand for the commencement of legal proceedings.}{\insrsid8812565  }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 See }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
Troutman letter, Page 1.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [13]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab Elsewhere, charging is understood as the commencement of a prosecution, 8 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 10.70 states }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
a prosecution is commenced when either an indictment is presented in open court . . . or a complaint if filed.}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  The distinction, if any, between the date of charging and the date of the commencement of legal proceedings is a d}{\insrsid8812565 istinction without a difference}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
 for the purposes of this appeal, they are one and the same.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [14]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab The Appellee also raised concerns relating to the potential unfairness in allowing a prosecutor the discretion in selecting the forum to bring 
an action. These concerns were also brought to the attention of the Seventeenth Guam Legislature, which was then considering Bill 78. It was a policy decision by the legislature to grant such discretion to the prosecutors of the Territory}{
\cs15\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid13389794 \chftn }{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 
As to bad faith delay in prosecuting an action, discretion is not unbridled as noted in Troutman}{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid13389794 
s Letter to the Legislature.
\par }}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 . Prosecutors already possess the discretion to charge. }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 See United States v. Herman, }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 589 F.2d 1191, 1200 (3}{
\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 rd}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  Cir. 1978), }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 cert. denied, }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 441 U.S. 913 (1979).
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [15]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab 
Under the rules of statutory construction, this Court must give the statute a meaning consistent with the plain meaning of the words used and the legislative intent. The plain meaning of 19 GCA }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
5103(a)(4) is that the jurisdiction of the Family Court attaches at the date the person is charged with an offense. Although the Defendant was seventeen when she allegedly committed the theft, sh
e was charged when she was eighteen and she is, therefore, not within the jurisdiction of the Family Court.}{\insrsid8812565  }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
the complaint filed against her in the Superior Court was improperly dismissed. Since this is not a case where the statutory language is ambiguous 
or capable of more than one interpretation, the Court need not choose from among alternative interpretations. }{\i\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Esta Later Charters, Inc. v. Ignacio, }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 875 F.2d 234, 238-9 (9}{
\super\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 th}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565  Cir. 1989).
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 CONCLUSION}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [16]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab The Court must give th
e statute the effect the Legislature had intended. The Legislature wanted to insure that Family Court jurisdiction was based on the age of the individual on the date on which legal proceedings were commenced. The Legislature clearly intended to give the G
o
vernment the discretion to prosecute certain individuals in certain situations in either Family Court or Superior Court. While the Appellee was seventeen at the time she allegedly committed the offense, she was eighteen years old when she was charged and 
u
nder the plain and unambiguous reading of the statute, she was properly charged as an adult. This Court must give the clear statute its intended effect. Given the fact that the defendant was eighteen when charged the Superior Court has jurisdiction over t
he defendant.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 [17]}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 \tab We must therefore, REVERSE the court}{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 s decision dismissing the complaint for lack of jurisdiction.}{\insrsid8812565 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 JANET HEALY WEEKS
\par }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Associate Justice
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 JOSE LEON GUERRERO
\par }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Associate Justice
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\b\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 PETER C. SIGUENZA
\par }{\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 Chief Justice
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8812565 {\insrsid13389794\charrsid8812565 ___________}{\insrsid8812565 
\par }}