How are juvenile cases different from adult cases?

Juvenile cases in Washington are different from adult cases in several ways. First, juvenile cases deal with those who are under the age of 18. In adult cases, the accused is at least 18 years old. Second, the maximum penalty for juveniles convicted of a criminal act is different from that for adults. Juveniles typically face probation, fines, community service, or other less severe punishments. Adults convicted of similar crimes may face longer prison sentences or even the death penalty. Third, the juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment. It focuses on the juvenile offender’s education, job skills, mental health services, and other factors necessary to help them become productive members of society. The adult criminal justice system, however, primarily focuses on punishment, retribution, and protecting society. Finally, the proceedings of a juvenile case involve much more privacy protections than those of adult cases. Juvenile cases are heard in private, and the proceedings are not generally open to the public. In Washington, adult cases are open to the public unless the court decides to seal them. This means that information about adult criminal records can be accessed by anyone. In contrast, juvenile records are confidential in Washington and can only be accessed by the juvenile, their legal counsel, or the court.

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How are juvenile cases different from adult cases?

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