Types of Juvenile Crimes

 Posted on February 26, 2018 in Juvenile Crimes

Adults are not the only ones who break the law. Teens commit many crimes as well. Those under the age of 17, however, typically cannot be held responsible for the crimes they commit. The area of juvenile lawapplies to teens and is focused more on rehabilitation rather than punishment—prison time and hefty fines are not always appropriate forms of punishment for juveniles.

There are many sentencing options for juvenile courts. They are typically grouped into two types: incarceration and non-incarceration. Incarceration does not have to involve jail, although it sometimes does—particularly if the minor committed a felony. Other forms of incarceration include house arrest, placement in a foster home, and juvenile hall.

For minor crimes, a teen may be able to avoid incarceration. Non-incarceration punishment options include verbal warnings, fines, community service, counseling, and probation.

Most Common Offenses Among Teens

Teens have the ability to commit the same types of crimes as adults. They are even capable of committing murder and other serious or violent offenses. However, the most common criminal offenses are the following:

• Theft –This includes shoplifting, stealing bikes, and stealing from backpacks.
• Burglary–This includes entering a home or building with an intent to steal something.
• Vandalism–This includes graffiti, drawing on walls, keying cars, and cutting tires.
• Drug and alcohol offenses–This includes the purchase and possession of alcohol or marijuana.
• Tobacco use– This includes purchasing tobacco and smoking or chewing it at school or other public place.
• Weapons possession–This includes possession of a gun (even a BB gun), knives, brass knuckles, nunchucks, and pepper spray.
• Disorderly conduct–This includes nudity in public (such as flashing or mooning), cursing at an adult and starting fights in public.
• Assault and battery–This includes verbal bullying or physical altercation such as pushing or hitting another person.
• Traffic violations–These offenses include speeding, running red lights, and not wearing a seat belt.
• Trespassing– This includes entering a vacant building and using another person’s land without permission.
• Fraud–This includes sending spam emails in an attempt to obtain personal information, writing bad checks, and impersonating another person for personal gain.
• False reporting–This includes pulling a fire alarm when no fire is present, calling 911 for no reason, and making bomb threats.
• Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle–This includes driving without a license or using someone else’s car without their permission.

Need Legal Advice? Contact a Local Criminal Defense Lawyer

Teens who commit crimes deserve second chances. They have their entire lives in front of them, and forcing them to spend most of their adulthood in jail is unfair. As a parent, you need to ensure your child’s legal rights are protected.

If your child is facing criminal charges, The Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley can defend his or her case. Skilled Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney Christopher Cosley will do what it takes to avoid a conviction or find alternative punishment. Reach out to our office for help today.

Source:

http://www.globalyouthjustice.org/TOP_25_CRIMES.html