What is the difference between a juvenile delinquent and a juvenile offender?

The main difference between a juvenile delinquent and a juvenile offender is the severity of the crime committed. A juvenile delinquent is someone under the age of 18 who has committed any act that would be considered a crime in adult court. This can include anything from shoplifting to vandalism. On the other hand, a juvenile offender is someone who has committed a more serious crime, such as a felony. Juvenile delinquency is usually handled differently in court than adult crimes. In California, the court system has juvenile courts specifically designed to deal with delinquency. Often times, juveniles are sent to rehabilitation programs or placed on probation, instead of being sent to a jail or prison. These measures are designed to prevent juvenile offenders from re-offending, and to help them develop into functioning members of society. On the other hand, juvenile offenders who commit serious crimes can be sent to a juvenile detention facility, or even be tried as an adult in adult court. In some cases, juvenile offenders may even be sentenced to life in prison, or the death penalty. No matter the severity of the offense, juvenile offenders are typically expected to rise to the same level of responsibility as an adult, and should be given the seriousness of punishment they deserve. California courts take this into consideration when handing down sentences to juvenile offenders.

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What is the difference between a juvenile delinquent and a juvenile offender?

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