What types of juvenile cases can be handled in court?

In North Carolina, juvenile cases can be handled in court if the accused is under the age of 16 and the alleged offense is serious. Juvenile cases involve delinquent acts, status offenses, and Children in Need of Supervision (CHINS). Delinquent acts are criminal acts that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult, such as vandalism, theft, or assault. Status offenses are acts that would not be considered criminal if committed by an adult, but are considered inappropriate for someone under the age of 16, such as truancy, underage drinking, and running away from home. CHINS cases involve a child who needs supervision or assistance, but who has not committed any delinquent or status offenses. In court, juvenile cases can be handled in a variety of ways. Depending on the severity of the crime, a minor could potentially be tried in a criminal court and treated as an adult. If their case remains in the juvenile system, then some of the outcomes could include a warning, community service, probation, work release, restitution, home-based intervention, and, in extreme cases, placement in a juvenile detention facility. Overall, the purpose of the juvenile system is rehabilitation, not punishment. When a minor is accused of committing a crime, the court will consider not only the severity of the alleged offense, but also the best interests of the minor. By doing so, it seeks to find a resolution that is most beneficial to the minor and will help them to take responsibility for their actions while providing them with the resources they need to stay out of trouble.

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