JUVENILE OFFENSES

Proven Record

Juvenile delinquency, also known as juvenile offending, or youth crime, is participation in illegal behavior by minors (juveniles… individuals younger than the statutory age of maturity) Most legal systems prescribe specific procedures for dealing with juveniles, such as juvenile detention centers, and courts. A juvenile delinquent is a person who is typically under the age of 18 and commits an act that otherwise would have been charged as a crime if they were an adult. Depending on the type and severity of the offense committed, it is possible for persons under 18 to be charged and tried as adults.

Probable Penalties & Consequences
Juvenile crimes can include anything from creating graffiti on a building to rape or murder. No matter what the offense, a youth caught committing a crime will most likely be punished as provided by the state law.

Following the arrest of a juvenile offender, a law enforcement officer has the discretion to release the juvenile to his or her parents, or take the offender to juvenile hall. The county probation department, the agency responsible for the juvenile hall, has the discretion to accept and “book” the offender or not, in which case, the disposition of the juvenile is left to the police. If the police want to talk to the minor about what happened, the police must tell the minor about their legal rights. Many cases are prosecuted when clients, contacted by a law enforcement agent, mistakenly believe that they can talk their way out of the situation.

Since the penalties for crimes can range from probation to imprisonment, it’s a good idea to call Mark Waecker immediately for advice.