What is the philosophy behind juvenile sentencing?

The philosophy behind juvenile sentencing in Virginia is to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The goal is to address the problem that caused the juvenile to become involved in criminal activity in the first place and to provide the necessary guidance and support to ensure that the juvenile is not likely to re-offend in the future. The courts in Virginia follow the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Law, which provides for a range of outcomes, such as incarceration, probation, restitution, fines, and community service. The purpose of these sentences is to protect the public by preventing the juvenile from engaging in dangerous activities, while also providing the juvenile an opportunity to get back on track. Judges typically consider a variety of factors when determining a juvenile’s sentence, such as the seriousness of the crime, the age of the juvenile, and the juvenile’s criminal history. Virginia also recognizes a variety of diversion programs, which allow juveniles to avoid a court sentence and participate in a supervised program that provides educational and psychological assistance. These programs focus on correcting the juvenile’s behavior and offering support for the juvenile’s problems. Through these programs, the court can ensure that the juvenile is able to learn from their mistakes without harsher punishments. Ultimately, the goal of juvenile sentencing in Virginia is to provide the juvenile with the chance to turn their life around and become a positive contributing member of society. By providing the right support and guidance for the juvenile, Virginia seeks to prevent criminal behavior from continuing into adulthood.

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What is the philosophy behind juvenile sentencing?

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