{"id":352428,"date":"2023-10-02T14:47:34","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T19:47:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/juvenile-justice\/juveniles-and-age-status-offenses.html"},"modified":"2023-10-02T14:47:34","modified_gmt":"2023-10-02T19:47:34","slug":"juveniles-and-age-status-offenses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/juvenile-justice\/juveniles-and-age-status-offenses.html","title":{"rendered":"Juveniles and Status Offenses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Juveniles and Status Offenses<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Many jurisdictions take a rehabilitative approach for status offenses, or actions that are illegal only for underage people. This approach aims to redirect minors away from the criminal justice system and towards supportive interventions that address the underlying causes of their behavior.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Minors who commit offenses often face different legal standards than adults. Status offenses are unique transgressions that apply only to juvenile offenders<\/a>. They are classified as status offenses due to the offender’s age at the time of the activity.<\/p>\n

 A record of status offenses can have long-term implications, affecting future opportunities like education, employment, or military service. A local criminal law attorney<\/a> can help advocate for an outcome that prevents future offenses or escalation to more serious issues.<\/p>\n

This article explains status offenses. Learn how the juvenile justice system<\/a> addresses minors who engage in behaviors that are illegal because of their age.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples of Status Offenses<\/h2>\n

Examples of status offense cases include:<\/p>\n