In the Matter of Johnson

331 S.E.2d 756, 76 N.C. App. 159, 1985 N.C. App. LEXIS 3809

Opinion

ARNOLD, Judge.

By his sole assignment of error, respondent contends that the trial court erred in that it failed to affirmatively state that the allegation of the juvenile petition had been proved beyond a reasonable doubt. He argues that the trial judge’s failure to state the standard of proof used in making the determination of delinquency constitutes reversible error. We agree.

G.S. 7A-637 states in relevant part that, “If the judge finds that the allegations in the petition have been proved as provided in G.S. § 7A-635 [beyond a reasonable doubt], he shall so state.” The failure of the trial judge to follow the clear mandate of the statute is error. In re Wade, 67 N.C. App. 708, 313 S.E. 2d 862 (1984).

The decision of the trial court is

Reversed and remanded.

Chief Judge HEDRICK and Judge PARKER concur.