What is the difference between juvenile delinquency and criminal activity?
Juvenile delinquency and criminal activity are two separate legal entities in the state of Texas. While both involve breaking the law, they differ in that juvenile delinquency applies to individuals under the age of 18, while criminal activity applies to individuals 18 and over. Juvenile delinquency is when a minor is found to be in violation of state and/or local laws. The juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitating and diverting young offenders from the criminal justice system. Juvenile delinquency cases are heard in juvenile court, and the focus is on holding the minor accountable for their actions and providing educational and rehabilitative services, rather than incarceration. Criminal activity is the breaking of state or federal laws. It is considered more serious than juvenile delinquency, as the offender is an adult and may be held legally responsible for their actions. If found guilty of a criminal offense, the offender may face incarceration, fines, probation, or other legal penalties. In Texas, individuals under the age of 17 who are charged with a criminal offense are tried as adults, and may be punished with adult sentences. This is opposed to juvenile delinquency, where the punishments are aimed at rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
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