Are juveniles ever given a second chance after committing a crime?

Yes, juveniles are often given a second chance after committing a crime in Washington. Depending on the offense committed, juveniles may be eligible to have their case dismissed or their sentence reduced or suspended. In addition, juveniles may be eligible for a deferred disposition or “second chance” program. Deferred disposition programs are offered as alternative sentences, rather than incarceration or probation. They typically involve some type of community service, such as performing volunteer work or completing an education program, and may also require various forms of juvenile counseling or substance abuse treatment. Completion of the program usually results in the original charges being dismissed. In addition, the Washington legislature has attempted to reduce juvenile recidivism by enacting statutory programs. These programs are designed to keep juvenile delinquents out of jail, and instead provide services that help the offender learn to become a productive member of society. Examples of these programs include drug court, truancy court, and juvenile courts for youth offenders. At the end of the day, juveniles in Washington are treated differently from adults when it comes to sentencing. If caught and convicted, juveniles are sometimes given a second chance and may be eligible for alternative sentences or programs that provide rehabilitation and education. These programs are designed to help juveniles become productive members of society and have a better future.

Related FAQs

What rights do juveniles have when facing criminal charges?
What is a Youth Court and what types of cases are handled in a Youth Court?
What type of community re-entry programs are available to juveniles?
How are juveniles held accountable for their wrongdoings?
What is a juvenile diversion program?
How does juvenile crime rate vary from state to state?
What is the process for determining if a juvenile should be tried as an adult?
What are the rights of victims of juveniles who commit crimes?
What rights do parents have when it comes to the juvenile justice system?
How can juveniles successfully prepare for release from the juvenile justice system?

Are juveniles ever given a second chance after committing a crime?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts