Kids have a knack for finding their way into trouble. Most teens will do things they shouldn't because of social pressure, a way of lashing out over other frustrations or issues, or boredom.
Sometimes, mischief can cross the line into breaking laws. Penalties are different for adults and children. Of course, a kid who commits a violent or dangerous offense usually doesn't get a free pass. But the legal system also addresses non-violent crimes that can have serious repercussions for young people who commit them. What are some common non-violent juvenile crimes that can lead to criminal consequences?
A Victimless Crime? Not In the Eyes of the Law.
As children grow into teenagers and young adults, the greater the chance that mistakes will have serious repercussions. Someone who is 17 years old is just as capable of committing a violent crime like carjacking, stealing a car, or assault as an 18-year-old who's considered an adult.
Among crimes committed by juvenile offenders that are classified as non-violent but have a victim, arson and vandalism are the most common. The destruction of someone's property, even without malicious intent, is a crime considered worthy of a juvenile arrest. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) is part of the Justice Department.
There are also offenses juveniles can commit that are nonviolent and not directed toward another person, but will still land them in legal hot water with the criminal justice system. They may sound like somewhat petty offenses, but they're criminal laws and can land a kid in juvenile detention.
Truancy
At first glance, truancy may not seem serious enough to be considered an actual criminal offense. Most kids will end up skipping school at least once during their academic career, and it can be difficult to imagine what harm can come from it. In addition to the concern of what other sorts of trouble minors can get into while cutting class, truancy itself can be a chargeable offense.
While not a particularly repugnant crime, repeated truancy won't go ignored. A day here or there isn't likely to be a problem, but once it becomes a chronic issue, penalties can move beyond community service and involve the juvenile justice system. Adult court and adult prisons may not be on the table, but a stay in a juvenile detention center or house arrest isn't out of the question depending on the state you live in.
Running Away From Home
It differs between jurisdictions, but in some places, running away is an arrestable offense. Unless a minor has become emancipated, their parents or legal guardians are responsible for making sure they have a place to live. Runaways are usually reunited with their parents, but eluding law enforcement or repeated transgressions can result in time spent in a detention center.
It's also possible that a child is fleeing from a dangerous or abusive home situation. If that's the case, police officers and social workers will often assess why a minor has run away and can try to put the teen in a better situation.
Breaking Curfew
From the moment they start reading under the covers with a flashlight or sneaking out of their rooms after being put to bed, kids are determined to squeeze as much as they can out of each day. This extends to breaking the taboo of being outside when they're not supposed to be.
Breaking a parent's curfew might result in grounding or extra chores. Running around in violation of a local, city, or state curfew is viewed as a public safety issue and not as easily excused. Some cities have a set time when minors are not allowed to be out unless accompanied by an adult. While there are usually exceptions for those travelling to work or other permissible locations, repeated violations of curfew can snowball into legal ramifications. This is even more likely if the juvenile has been in trouble before or has a criminal record.
I Fought the Law, and the Law Won
An isolated incident involving truancy, running away from home, or breaking curfew is not likely to result in a severe legal penalty for a minor. Repeated violations may cause the court to take steps to address what it views as a growing problem. These can include house arrest, mandatory mental health counseling, community service, or time in a detention facility.
Some states still use work programs known as juvenile boot camps as both a punishment and a deterrent, but the frequency has been in a steady decline as the effectiveness of such programs has come into question due to recidivism rates. Most kids won't end up behind bars of any kind, but those who do are usually treated with rehabilitation in mind, as opposed to punitive measures.
Related Resources
- Sentencing for Juvenile Crimes (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
- What Are Juvenile Delinquents? (FindLaw's Juvenile Justice Law)
- Criminal Procedure in Juvenile Court (FindLaw's Criminal Court)
