How does a juvenile offender's age influence sentencing in court?

In Florida, the age of a juvenile offender influences their sentencing in court significantly. This is because juveniles are treated differently from adults and typically receive more lenient sentences because they are, in the eyes of the law, seen to be less culpable and more likely to be rehabilitated. Typically, the age of the offender is the single greatest factor when it comes to determining the severity of the sentence. For example, those considered to be juveniles (under age 17 in Florida) are not typically eligible for prison sentences, and are instead sentenced either to probation, alternative-to-incarceration programs, or even educational programs. On the other hand, offenders aged 17 or older (considered adults in Florida) are potentially eligible for incarceration and face different sentencing guidelines. For example, if the offense in question is a first-degree misdemeanor, the adult may be sentenced a maximum of one year, while a juvenile may be sentenced to a maximum of 45 days. In addition, Florida courts are also more likely to grant youthful offenders a second chance. Under the State’s “Romeo and Juliet” law, for instance, a juvenile over the age of 16 can be charged with a misdemeanor, rather than a felony, in certain cases of dating violence. Therefore, a juvenile’s age can significantly influence the severity of their sentence in the state of Florida.

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How does a juvenile offender's age influence sentencing in court?

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