Many people wrongly assume that crimes committed by minors are less serious than crimes committed by adults. Law enforcement officials, however, take crimes committed by minors very seriously and minors committing crimes are often subject to similar punishments as adults as a consequence. Minors who commit crimes are most often subject to a separate judicial system, the juvenile court system where the prevailing philosophy is that, with the proper counseling, most juvenile offenders can learn to make better choices in the future.
Some of the most common crimes committed by minors are: Driving under the influence, petty theft, shoplifting, assault, battery, drug possession, gang crimes, carjacking, vehicular theft, burglary, drug possession with intent to sell, sex crimes and vandalism. In general, the maximum age at which a crime is prosecuted as a minor is 17. However, if the crime is serious enough, and depending on how close to 18 the accused is, then he or she may be tried as an adult. Court records for juvenile crimes are sealed, unlike in the adult criminal court system where records are open to the public. Punishments for minors convicted of crimes include, but are not limited to: jail time, placement in a juvenile detention center, monetary fines, community service, probation, parole, mandatory drug or alcohol counseling, or court-ordered therapy. Nor does the punishment stop with the juvenile convicted of a crime. Some states have adopted laws that hold parents responsible for their children's actions, or can find parents guilty of an offense such as failing to supervise their child. Additionally,
Having a child or grandchild accused of a criminal act is a very serious matter. The best thing you can do for your child or grandchild's future is hire a knowledgeable, thorough Los Angeles juvenile crimes attorney to guide you through the juvenile court system.
