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.

Related FAQs

What rights do parents have when it comes to the juvenile justice system?
How does juvenile delinquency affect a person’s future?
How can parents support juvenile offenders?
What is the difference between delinquency and status offenses?
How do restorative justice models lead to a better outcome for juveniles?
What is the family court system and how does it relate to juvenile court?
How long do juvenile records stay on file?
What is the difference between incarceration and detention for juveniles?
What rights do juveniles have during questioning by the police?
What type of community re-entry programs are available to juveniles?

What is the difference between juvenile and adult sentencing?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts