What action might the court take after hearing a referral?

The court has a variety of options available after hearing a referral. Among these, dismissing the referral is indeed one possible action. This might occur if the court finds that there is insufficient evidence or no legal basis for proceeding with the case. Dismissal could be appropriate if it is determined that the matter does not warrant further action, whether due to procedural issues, lack of merit, or other factors.

In contrast, the other options represent different possible actions the court could take, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, imposing a sentence would typically follow if the court finds the defendant guilty after a full hearing or trial, which is not applicable in the context of a referral hearing. Holding an informal adjustment might be relevant in specific situations, particularly in juvenile cases where the court may facilitate rehabilitation and problem-solving rather than proceeding with formal adjudication. Finally, requesting a formal petition usually implies that the court is seeking to escalate a matter that requires more formal legal proceedings, which would not be the action taken if the referral is dismissed.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how the judicial process operates and the flexibility that courts have in responding to various referrals.