What is the difference between adjudication and conviction in juvenile court?

Adjudication and conviction are two different outcomes that juveniles may face in juvenile court proceedings in North Carolina. The primary difference between adjudication and conviction is that adjudication does not carry the same long-term consequences as a conviction. When a juvenile is found guilty of a crime, they are usually adjudicated, or found to have committed an act that is punishable under the law. This means that the juvenile has been found guilty, but not convicted of the crime. Instead, the court may determine that the juvenile has committed a delinquent act that should be addressed, and impose sanctions or probation. In contrast, a conviction is a formal court finding that a juvenile has committed a criminal offense. This carries a much more serious consequence than an adjudication and can include years in juvenile detention and other punishments, depending on the severity of the crime. A conviction also generally carries longer-term ramifications, including a criminal record and the possibility of having to register as a sex offender. In summary, adjudication is a finding that a juvenile has committed an act that is punishable under the law, while a conviction is a more serious court finding that the juvenile has committed a criminal offense. While a conviction can impose longer term consequences, adjudication is a more favorable outcome for juveniles in North Carolina.

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What is the difference between adjudication and conviction in juvenile court?

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