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

The main difference between a juvenile delinquent and a juvenile offender in Pennsylvania is the severity of the offense. A juvenile delinquent is any minor who has committed a minor crime, such as a minor traffic violation or vandalism. A juvenile offender is a minor who has committed a more serious crime, such as theft or a drug-related offense. The consequences for juvenile delinquency are typically less severe than those for juvenile offenses. For example, a juvenile delinquent may be required to complete a certain number of hours of community service, and/or an educational program, while a juvenile offender may be subject to court action and possible incarceration. In Pennsylvania, juvenile offenders are tried in juvenile courts, and can face punishments such as probation, detention, fines, or other alternatives. The juvenile justice system is designed to be rehabilitative, rather than strictly punitive, so even if a minor is found guilty of an offense, the focus is on helping the youth learn from the mistake and avoid future criminal activity. In summary, juvenile delinquents are minors who commit minor offenses such as traffic violations or vandalism, while juvenile offenders are minors who commit more serious offenses, such as theft or drug-related offenses. The consequences for juvenile delinquency are typically less severe than those for juvenile offenses, as the juvenile justice system focuses on helping the offender learn from their mistake and become a productive member of society.

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

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