Juvenile crimes are those crimes committed by anyone under the age of 18. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reported that juveniles are actually more likely to be caught committing crimes than adults. Crimes committed by juveniles can range from drugs to violence, but the most common are theft. In 2000, for example, of the 2,369,400 juvenile arrests, 363,500 were for theft. Drug abuse accounted for 203,900 of the arrests, with violent crime accounting for 98,900.

Juvenile cases can be heard formally or informally, depending on the severity of the crime. Approximately 50 percent of all juvenile cases are heard informally, and among those, most are dismissed. This ensures the juvenile is innocent of the charges, or the court has set up a “consent decree” for the juvenile to complete. Such requirements for this program include:

• Restitution
• Mandatory curfew
• School attendance
• Rehabilitation

While following these probationary orders, juveniles are set-up with a probation officer for accountability. If they follow orders, most juvenile cases will be dismissed. If not, they may proceed to formal hearing. If you or a loved one has been charged with a juvenile crime, contact our office to ensure your defense attorney has the skills and experience necessary to handle your case. At Barbieri Law Firm, our office is dedicated to helping those who have been accused of juvenile crimes. We understand how overwhelming this process may be, which is why our attorney combines passionate care with a strong fight to help ensure you receive the outcome you deserve. Contact our office today at 972-424-1902 to schedule a free initial consultation and learn how we can help.