Juveniles in the Criminal Justice System

Flashcards reviewing key vocabulary and concepts related to juveniles in the criminal justice system.

Juvenile Justice System

Ensures minors are held accountable for violating the law, but encourages rehabilitation and alternative programs to incarceration as a form of punishment.

Juvenile Criminals

Individuals under the maximum minor age who have committed a crime; age policies vary by state (e.g., 16 or 18 years old). Categorized as juvenile delinquents or status offenders.

Juvenile Delinquent

A juvenile who has committed an act considered a crime at any age; the act would be a crime regardless of the person's age.

Status Offender

A juvenile who has committed an act which is an offense only because of their age; the act would not be a crime if committed by an adult.

Common Delinquent Crimes

Theft/larceny, vandalism, possession of drugs, disorderly conduct, simple/minor assault.

Common Status Offender Crimes

Curfew violations, truancy, ungovernability, alcohol offenses, runaways.

Separation of Delinquents & Status Offenders

This is required to ensure status offenders are not exposed to harsher criminal elements of any juvenile delinquent influence.

Trying Juveniles as Adults

Particularly serious or violent crimes and long-time repeat offenders.

Causes of Juvenile Crime

External issues, conflictive or violent home life, parental rejection, criminal parents, lack of supervision, social expectations.

Effects of Juvenile Crime on Juveniles

Decline in mental health, stress within the family, damage of support systems.

Effects of Juvenile Crime on the Community

Community image, community safety, continued criminal activity.

Consequences for Juvenile Status Offenders

Being issued a warning and being detained until a parent arrives.

Consequences for Juvenile Delinquents

Being arrested or referred to appear in court.

Juvenile Court

Hears cases involving juvenile offenses; can handle both status offense and juvenile delinquency cases. Cases are considered civil, not criminal.

Adult Court

Involved in the juvenile process when a waiver has been filed and if the juvenile meets certain requirements. Treats the juvenile as an adult.

Rights of Juveniles on Arrest

Right to a notice of charges, right to remain silent, right to an attorney present, right to a parent present, privilege against self-incrimination.

Non-Custodial Arrest

An arrest in which the juvenile offender is not taken into police custody.

Custodial Arrest

An arrest in which the juvenile offender is taken into police custody.

Juvenile Intake Department

Screens juveniles based on the severity of the offense to determine if a matter should be dismissed, resolved informally, or resolved formally.

Petitioning the Case

When the intake or probation officer files a document with the court to formally charge the juvenile with an alleged delinquent act.

Arraignment

A part of the initial hearing when the court explains the formal charges against the juvenile alleged in the petition.

Adjudicatory Hearing

Occurs when a juvenile case goes to trial, where both attorneys present evidence, question witnesses, and discuss the case. Takes place in front of a judge.

Disposition Hearing

Occurs after the adjudicatory hearing when the judge determines the appropriate sentencing and treatment for the juvenile.

Disposition Order

A written and signed document by the court stating the decision chosen for the juvenile and any necessary sentencing conditions

Graduated Sanctions

Are intervention strategies designed to act in unison to encourage accountability, protect public safety, and reduce reoffending by preventing future juvenile criminal behavior.

Juvenile Facilities

Places which house juveniles after being found guilty of delinquency. Can include juvenile correctional facilities and juvenile residential facilities.

Juvenile Correctional Facilities

Diagnostic centers, detention centers, and long-term secure facilities.

Juvenile Residential Facilities

Youth shelters, group homes, wilderness or ranch camps, boot camps, and residential treatment facilities.

Alternative Programs

Allow juveniles to be held responsible for their delinquent actions without incarceration or detention; focus on rehabilitation and re-offense prevention.

Juvenile Alternative Programs

Counseling, electronic monitoring, community service, victim awareness classes, probation, financial restitution, and mental health treatment.