What is the difference between juvenile delinquency and criminal activity?

Juvenile delinquency and criminal activity are two distinct offenses in the state of New York. Juvenile delinquency is a civil offense, while criminal activity is a criminal offense. When a minor commits a civil offense, it is considered to be juvenile delinquency. This includes acts such as skipping school, running away, truancy, or violating curfew. These offenses are considered to be minor in comparison to those committed by adults, and as such they are dealt with differently. Typically, a minor found guilty of delinquency will be subject to some form of warning or counseling, though in some cases more severe punishments such as community service or suspension may be enforced. Criminal activity, on the other hand, are more serious offenses such as theft, vandalism, assault, or drug possession. If a minor is found guilty of a criminal offense, they are subject to more serious punishments, typically involving court appearances and possible jail time. Minors are also subject to different laws than adults, as minors are often not tried with the same severity as adults. In all cases, juveniles are protected by the law to some degree, ensuring that their rights are upheld and that the punishments they face are not overly harsh. This separates juvenile delinquency and criminal activity from each other and emphasizes the need for a separate justice system for youth offenders.

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What is the difference between juvenile delinquency and criminal activity?

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