{"id":352430,"date":"2023-12-14T11:08:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-14T16:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/juvenile-justice\/minor-crime-is-a-major-ordeal.html"},"modified":"2024-06-07T10:08:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-07T15:08:00","slug":"minor-crime-is-a-major-ordeal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/juvenile-justice\/minor-crime-is-a-major-ordeal.html","title":{"rendered":"The Juvenile Justice System: Introduction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Juvenile Justice System: Introduction<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\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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When a minor breaks the law, the justice system wants to see accountability for their crime. At the same time, people under 18 years of age aren’t adults and may not understand the nature and outcomes of their actions. The juvenile justice system attempts to balance criminal penalities with rehabilitation.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The juvenile courts differ from the adult criminal justice system in some significant ways. Juveniles have a separate set of laws for many crimes and have different sentencing guidelines. Minors who commit misdemeanor offenses can correct their behavior rather than face punishment. Despite occasional public outcries to try serious juvenile offenders as adults<\/a>, this is the typical process for juvenile court.<\/p>\n

Having your child involved in the juvenile justice system can be scary and overwhelming. Contact a local criminal law attorney<\/a> for help navigating this sytem and protecting your child’s rights.<\/p>\n

This article introduces you to the juvenile justice system. Learn about:<\/p>\n