Although a lot of juvenile crimes resemble those for adult crimes, penalties and laws associated with juvenile criminal offenses are substantially different. Two of the most significant distinctions are that juveniles are not entitled to a trial by jury, nor are they permitted to be discharged on bail.
A juvenile criminal is anyone under the age of 18. When your child is being charged with juvenile crimes, it is of the utmost importance that you have an experience juvenile and family law attorney to represent you and your child. With many juvenile cases, an experienced attorney can get a lighter sentence or in some cases, rehabilitation instead of placement in a state juvenile facility.
Juvenile crimes can be categorized by misdemeanors and or felonies. the categorization of the crime is based upon the crimes intensity and or violence in some cases. This is especially so, when there is also a sexual criminal offense attached to the crime or if the crime is committed on a school campus, if there is gang involvement in the commencement of the crime or in the event that a tool is used as a weapon, then the juvenile crime may be subject to being charged as an adult, in which case, bail may be set and he or she can be tried by a jury.
There are many causes for juvenile delinquency, but many studies point to parental neglect, abuse, school problems, or community issues. Research has shown that many individuals who are charged with crimes as a juvenile go on to be offenders at the adult level as well. Programs for rehabilitation and education go a long way toward correcting destructive behavior, but do not always prove to be successful.
Several states have taken steps to ensure that juveniles are not removed from the home, in the interest of preserving the family unit. In these cases, the offenders are usually required to pay restitution, surrender drivers’ licenses, and commit to programs for rehabilitation. Other states have strong institutional systems in place for removing delinquents from the streets and placing them in juvenile detention centers.
Being tried as a juvenile often differs greatly from adult criminal trials. Most juvenile cases are heard in an informal manner, although severe crimes may require a more formal trial. If the juvenile admits guilt and shows remorse, the judge may issue an informal disposition requiring the youth to meet specific requirements. Juveniles are provided the standard rights to due process, rights against self-incrimination, and the right to call witnesses.
Part of preventing juvenile crime is by giving youths a suitable substitute to the gang mentality.
That being said, some of the more common state run projects to preclude juvenile crime are state sponsored youth initiatives as well as drug abuse education.
Along with these activities, the state also diverts a substantial amount of tax monies into supplying and maintaining correctional facilities whose focus is the rehabilitation of minors involved in juvenile crime.
No matter what the primary cause of juvenile wickedness is, the fact remains that it is a significant issue that we need to address as a society.
Only by the fair address of juvenile crime at the community level can we take the steps required to win over the disenfranchised youth.
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