Juveniles are defined as minors, under the age of 18. Juveniles are treated differently from adult offenders and while many juvenile offenses such as shoplifting, receiving stolen property, assault, etc., parallel adult offenses, the penalties could often be more severe. Other offenses such as breaking curfew and truancy are unique to juveniles and would not be illegal if the person were an adult.

In 2002, 2.3 million juveniles were arrested for committing crimes. Juveniles are involved in one in ten murders, one in eight drug abuse violations, one in five weapons violations and one in four robberies. Juvenile crime and punishments comprise approximately one quarter of all violent crimes committed each year. In response to these unfortunate statistics, state legislatures across the country have adopted harsher laws regarding juvenile crime.

The juvenile justice system operates differently than adult court. For example, unlike adults, children are not entitled to jury trials and may not be released on bail. The rights of minors accused of crimes are also different, as well as procedures, sentencing and detention. If your child or relative has been arrested, immediately contact our California attorneys who are experienced in the juvenile criminal process to ensure that his or her rights are preserved.

Criminal Offenders and Juveniles remanded to superior court:
These categories are for offenders that have committed crimes that, if they were adults, would be criminal. These are crimes such as robbery, theft, assault, shoplifting, etc. Juveniles who have committed very serious crimes may be tried as an adult, these include: Attempted Murder; Murder; Robbery with Violence / Threat of Bodily Harm; Assault with a Firearm; Voluntary Manslaughter, and others.

Informal Probationers and Status Offenders:
These categories are for offenders who have committed less serious crimes or crimes such as truancy, breaking curfew or incorrigibility and, if they were over the age of majority, would not be considered illegal.

The goal of the California juvenile justice system is for treatment and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. The state of California has a wide range of methods and programs for addressing juvenile crime, generally taking into account the severity of the offense and the background of the offender. If charged with a juvenile crime, the offender can be given fines, be assigned to treatment programs, sentenced to detention, incarceration and / or community supervision. Generally, the system provides for escalating responses to offenses of increasing severity, such as informal probation, formal probation, detention, and incarceration. Additionally, because the system has a goal of rehabilitation, many more agencies have a role to play in California's Juvenile Justice System than in the adult system, including schools, social service agencies, and community-based organizations.

All juvenile crimes, either felony or misdemeanor, are very serious charges and can carry life changing consequences. If you or someone you know has been arrested, or is being investigated for a crime, you should contact our experienced California criminal defense lawyers. Contact us online or call: 1-800-221-7798 Today!

Related Criminal Law Topics
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Drug Crimes
- Theft Crimes