Many believe that crimes committed by juveniles will face lighter penalties than that of an adult and that whatever conduct they were convicted for will be sealed and somehow hidden from view. When the technological age has been upon us for some time now and the privacy of our missteps is much easier to find. Not only that, but suffering a criminal charge as a juvenile can in some ways hinder future opportunities more so than crimes committed as an adult. Common juvenile offenses include: drug crimes, vandalism, weapons charges, shoplifting, burglary, assault, fighting, and in some cases the most serious of offenses. The most striking difference between a juvenile committed a crime and an adult committed the same offense is that the parents of the juvenile play a major active role in the process and punishment of their child. What this means is that the minor’s school attendance as well as their grades affect the process of their criminal charge and the parents of the child must play an active role in their “rehabilitation.”
NO SMALL MATTER
Facing a criminal charge as a minor however should not be taken lightly. The consequences in some cases with a minor can be harsher than the consequences to an adult. This is a characterization of some jurisdictions that attempt to put on a “tough-love” approach to the young man or woman’s life when in fact it unnecessarily places them into the “system” of public incarceration. Many instances occur where a minor is taken into custody (“jail”) for offenses that an adult would normally be released for without bail. This is why it is very important to consult with an experienced attorney in criminal defense that holds experience in juvenile matters and who can help the minor’s family navigate through the complex system the child is in.
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