What is the difference between civil and criminal cases for juvenile offenders?

The difference between civil and criminal cases for juvenile offenders in Virginia is important to understand. Civil cases are heard in Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) court, whereas criminal cases are heard in juvenile courts. Civil cases involve matters such as child abuse, custody and support, adoption, and juvenile delinquency. In civil cases, a juvenile offender does not have the same legal protections that adults do in adult criminal courts. For example, juveniles are not guaranteed the constitutional rights to an attorney or a jury trial. In criminal cases, juvenile offenders are prosecuted for breaking laws and face potential incarceration. Minors over the age of 14 in Virginia may be tried as adults for serious offenses, such as violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses involving guns. In this case, the juvenile offender has the same rights as an adult in a criminal court. In both civil and criminal cases, juveniles must have a parent (or appointed guardian) present at court proceedings. Juveniles are entitled to an attorney in both civil and criminal cases, but they have a constitutional right to an attorney in criminal court. It is important to understand the difference between civil and criminal cases when dealing with juvenile offenders in Virginia. Having this knowledge can help ensure that juvenile offenders receive fair and appropriate legal treatment.

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What is the difference between civil and criminal cases for juvenile offenders?

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