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

In Tennessee, juvenile offenders include any individual under the age of 18 who commits a criminal offense. On the other hand, a youthful offender is an individual who is between the ages of 15 and 18 and is accused of a violent or serious offense. The difference between the two in Tennessee is that a juvenile offender is typically tried in juvenile court, whereas a youthful offender can be tried as an adult. In juvenile court, a juvenile offender would be subject to different consequences than if they were tried as an adult in criminal court. For instance, the juvenile court system is focused on rehabilitation and education, while the criminal court system tends to focus more on punishment. Juvenile court also has the ability to provide a variety of alternatives for a juvenile defendant, such as community service, probation, and counseling, as opposed to incarceration. Additionally, if a juvenile is found guilty, the guilty plea may be kept confidential and may remain off of their record if they successfully complete the terms of their sentence. Conversely, a youthful offender can be tried as an adult if the crime is deemed to be a violent or serious offense. Offenders who are found guilty in adult court are subject to the same consequences as adult offenders, which can include probation, fines, and even incarceration. Furthermore, a conviction in criminal court typically remains on the defendant’s record. In summary, the main difference between a juvenile offender and a youthful offender in Tennessee is the court system in which their case is heard. Juvenile offenders are typically tried in juvenile court, whereas a youthful offender can be tried as an adult in criminal court and is subject to more severe consequences.

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

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