What are the differences between juvenile and adult sentencing guidelines?

In Washington, juvenile and adult sentencing guidelines differ in a few key ways. Juvenile sentencing guidelines focus more on rehabilitation and less on punishment. The goal is to provide juveniles with the tools and resources they need to become productive citizens. In contrast, adult sentencing guidelines focus more on punishment and deterrence, while still providing some rehabilitation resources when appropriate. When sentencing juveniles in Washington, the court considers the juvenile’s age, mental and emotional development, family history, and the seriousness of the offense. The court also considers the ability of the juvenile to understand the consequences of their actions, the impact of the offense on the victim, and whether the juvenile is likely to recidivate. If a juvenile is convicted of a crime, the court may determine whether the juvenile should be sentenced as a juvenile or an adult. Generally speaking, a juvenile’s sentence may be tailored to fit the circumstances of the case and can include services such as counseling, community service, educational classes, or placement in a supervised residential facility. An adult sentence, on the other hand, may include fines, restitution to the victim, probation, or a period of incarceration in a county or state correctional facility. The length of the sentence may also be much longer for an adult than a juvenile, depending on the circumstances. In summary, juvenile and adult sentencing guidelines differ in Washington in terms of their focus and the amount of services available. While juvenile sentencing generally centers around rehabilitation and providing resources to help the juvenile become a productive member of society, adult sentencing focuses more on punishment and deterrence.

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What are the differences between juvenile and adult sentencing guidelines?

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