What is the difference between juvenile and adult sentencing?

In Virginia, juvenile offenders are held to a different standard than adult offenders. Juvenile sentencing is designed to protect young people and divert them away from long-term criminal behavior. Juvenile sentencing is usually focused on rehabilitation and education, while adult sentencing is primarily focused on punishment, with some consideration of deterrence. Juvenile sentences are usually much less severe than adult sentences. They may include probation, mandated counseling, community service, and other non-custodial sentences. Juveniles may also be referred to alternative programs such as drug treatment, anger management, and vocational training. On the other hand, adult sentences are often more severe, with more focus on punishment. Adults are generally given longer custodial sentences, including incarceration in a state or federal prison. Another key difference between juvenile and adult sentencing is that juveniles are usually given both dispositional and dispositional hearings. At the dispositional hearing, the judge will decide on the punishment, such as probation or placement in a juvenile facility. At the dispositional hearing, the judge will consider the juvenile’s background, prior history, and other factors in determining the appropriate sentence. In contrast, adult offenders typically do not have the option of a dispositional hearing; instead, the courts will simply impose the sentence. Overall, juvenile sentencing tends to be more focused on rehabilitation, while adult sentencing is more focused on punishment. Juvenile sentences generally include non-custodial options and dispositional hearings, while adult sentences will typically only involve incarceration and do not include the option of a dispositional hearing.

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What is the difference between juvenile and adult sentencing?

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