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

The difference between a juvenile offender and a youthful offender in Virginia is primarily based on the age of the person involved. A juvenile offender is any person under the age of eighteen who is charged with committing a criminal act. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court has exclusive jurisdiction over juvenile offenders and any proceedings against them. Depending on the severity of the offense, a juvenile offender may face probation, community service, or a variety of other sanctions. A youthful offender, on the other hand, is any person between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one who is charged with committing a criminal act. These cases are handled in the adult courts and can carry adult sentencing standards. In contrast to juvenile offenders, youthful offenders do not have the benefit of the protections and rehabilitative services provided by the Juvenile Justice system. It is important to remember that the primary difference between a juvenile offender and a youthful offender is their age. Juvenile offenders are those under the age of eighteen and youthful offenders are those between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one. As such, juvenile offenders are subject to the jurisdiction of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, while youthful offenders are subject to the jurisdiction of the adult court system.

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