How do states define juvenile delinquency?

In Washington, juvenile delinquency is defined as behavior by a minor, typically someone under the age of 18, that is considered to be a criminal offense by law. The state of Washington defines juvenile delinquency as those activities involving children which, if committed by an adult, would be considered a criminal offense. This includes a wide range of criminal activities and offenses, including theft, vandalism, assault, drug possession and use, and resisting arrest. It is important to note that juvenile delinquency is seen differently than adult criminal behavior as minors are still developing and may not have the same level of maturity or understanding of the law as an adult. Therefore, juvenile delinquency is often treated differently than it would be in an adult criminal case. In Washington, juvenile delinquent cases are handled at the juvenile court, which is a court specifically designed to deal with minors. The juvenile court system in Washington seeks to provide victims with justice and also to provide minors with resources and programs to help them learn from their mistakes and avoid delinquency in the future. In general, the court system will focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment by offering counseling, educational services, and job training to minors who have committed juvenile offenses.

Related FAQs

What happens if a juvenile breaks the probation or parole rules?
What is the purpose of a juvenile assessment center?
Are there any juvenile diversion programs focused on helping juveniles succeed after release?
What rights do juveniles have during questioning by the police?
What is the difference between juvenile and adult prison systems?
What role do advocacy groups have in juvenile justice reform?
What is the purpose of juvenile rehabilitation programs?
What is the role of the prosecutor in a juvenile case?
What are the differences between a juvenile delinquency and a juvenile status offense?
Are juveniles ever detained for extended periods of time in the juvenile justice system?

How do states define juvenile delinquency?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts