Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile Delinquency is the term used to describe teenage lawbreakers between the ages of approximately 14 and 21.  The age and the treatment of juvenile delinquents vary by state.  But generally, a separate system was established at the end of the 19th century to protect young offenders from the lifelong stigma associated with youthful errors in judgment or behaviour.  For the first half of the 20th century those laws were effective.  But since the 1960s, statistics began to rise for juvenile crimes such as theft, vandalism, underage drinking, drug abuse, truancy, dui, assault, rape, weapons possession, and even homicide.

Juvenile Delinquency Penalties                     

One of the purposes of separate courts for juvenile offenders is to provide correction and rehabilitation rather than mere punishment.  With the case of juvenile delinquency, the penalties focus more on rehabilitation rather than punishment.  

Possible Penalties

• House arrest with parents
• Detention for more serious offenses
• Community service mandates for offenders
• Restitution and juvenile court fines

Juvenile Delinquency Sentencing

Juvenile delinquency cases do not face a jury.  The judge has full authority to determine the penalty for each offender, whether the child is remanded to the custody of his or her parents, or whether he is sentenced to the care of a detention or social services facility.  Often the judge will order psychiatric and family evaluation before sentencing to determine the best course of action for the child.  Many times the court will require a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests.  The family may choose their own lawyer to help in this process or the court may select an impartial third party to make sure the child is sufficiently represented.

Juvenile Delinquency and Legal Help

Every child is entitled to have his rights protected, even if he is only appearing in Family or Juvenile Court for a minor offense.  In today’s culture, juvenile delinquency is on the rise and many believe that a youth offender does not always receive the appropriate attention or adjudication by today’s overworked judges.  If you feel that that is the case for you or your child, you can have a lawyer review your case and offer advice.  He may be able to provide the help you need to prevent a lifetime of consequences and escalating criminal behaviour instead of the powerful deterrent the juvenile system was originally designed to provide.

• If you need help with a Juvenile Criminal charge, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a local Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer.