Juvenile status offenses are cases involving children that commit acts that are only against the law because they are done by children. The common offenses include being truant from school, running away from home, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or violating a curfew.
It is important to recognize that just because someone is a minor does not mean that they cannot commit a crime. Crimes committed by minors are still punishable under the California Penal Code. The minor committing a crime will be considered a juvenile delinquent and be brought in front of a juvenile court. For more serious crimes, the minor can be charged as an adult and be tried in an adult criminal court.
The penalties for status offenses are not as severe as a juvenile delinquent case. However, the penalties can still detrimentally impact a minor’s life. For example, being a habitual truant will cost the minor his or her driver’s license for a year. See California Vehicle Code Section 13202.7.
If you or a loved one is facing a juvenile status offense, it is important to speak with an experienced juvenile crimes attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in helping minors with their juvenile cases. We will make sure the judge sees both sides and fight to get you the best possible result. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (888) 280-6839 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or contact us through our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.
