Ala. Code § 12-15-403: Review of the Petition by the Juvenile Court.

(a) When at the time a petition is filed, a juvenile court shall immediately review the petition and may require the petitioner to be sworn and answer under oath questions in regard to the petition and the minor or child sought to be committed.

(b) If it appears from the face of the petition or from the testimony of the petitioner that the petition is totally without merit, the juvenile court shall order the petition dismissed without further proceedings.