What age is considered a juvenile in court?

In Washington, a juvenile is someone under the age of 18 when the offense is committed. This means that any person who is charged with a crime, and is under 18 years old at the time of the offense, will have their case heard in juvenile court. The Washington Juvenile Court system is designed to protect the rights of minors while holding them accountable for their actions. This court system is focused on rehabilitation, rather than punishment. This means that instead of the juvenile being sentenced to jail time and a criminal record, they may be given probation or community service, or may be given a suspended sentence. The Washington Juvenile Court system is also designed to provide support and treatment for juveniles accused of crimes. This includes programs and services to help them become productive and responsible members of society. The court may refer young offenders to drug and alcohol treatment, anger management, or mental health programs. In Washington, the juvenile court system recognizes that juveniles are not fully developed emotionally, mentally, and physically, and thus treats them differently than adults. The focus of the court is on the best interest of the juvenile and the safety of the community.

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What age is considered a juvenile in court?

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