What is the difference between a juvenile offender and a youthful offender?

The difference between a juvenile offender and a youthful offender is defined by California law and can be very important for the outcome of a criminal offense. A juvenile offender is a person under the age of 18 who has committed a criminal offense. This person is treated differently under the law than an adult criminal—juveniles who commit less serious crimes usually do not receive adult-level punishment. Instead, they are often put under the jurisdiction of juvenile court, which focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. A youthful offender is a person between the ages of 14 and 17 who has committed a serious or violent crime that would usually put them in adult court. However, under California law, youthful offenders can receive less severe punishments than adults while still acknowledging the severity of their offense. This means that a youthful offender may receive a sentence in a county jail, rather than in a state prison, and may be eligible for parole after a shorter period of time. In each case, the aim of both juvenile and youthful offender laws in California is to protect minors and direct them away from further criminal behavior.

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What is the difference between a juvenile offender and a youthful offender?

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