What is a Juvenile Status Offense?
In California, juvenile offenders can be sentenced to time in juvenile hall or even be charged as adults for certain crimes. In other cases, juveniles can find themselves in trouble for minor offenses that they would not be charged for if they were adults. These offenses are known as juvenile status offenses.
In most cases, a juvenile status offense can be cleared from your criminal record once you turn 18 years old. However, juvenile status offenses can still result in punishments that include fines and a suspension of your driving privileges.
That is why these crimes should not be taken lightly and you should hire an experienced attorney if you are being accused of committing a juvenile status offense.
Juvenile Status Offenses
A juvenile status offense is conduct that is illegal for minors (those under the age of 18), but legal for adults. Common examples of juvenile status offenses include:
- Underage drinking;
- Purchasing cigarettes;
- Violating curfew;
- Skipping school (truancy); and
- Running away from home.
About 20% of all juvenile arrests involve a juvenile status offense.
Juvenile Delinquent Crimes
Juvenile status offenses are not as serious as juvenile delinquent crimes. Juvenile delinquent crimes involve conduct by a minor that is considered illegal for both minors and adults. Examples of common juvenile delinquent crimes include:
- Theft;
- Vandalism; and
- Violent crimes.
Juvenile delinquent crimes usually carry more sever penalties when compared to juvenile status offenses. In certain cases, a juvenile can be charged as an adult if accused of committing a juvenile delinquent crime.
What is the Punishment for a Juvenile Status Offense?
Instead of going to trial for a juvenile status offense, your case will be heard before a judge in family court. The prosecutor will present evidence to the judge to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the offense. Your experienced attorney can argue a valid defense on your behalf. After both sides present their arguments, the judge will make a decision. If the judge decides that you are guilty of a status offense, you could face the following sentence:
- A fine or restitution;
- Counseling or an education program;
- Suspension of driving privileges for up to one year; or
- Placement in a foster or group home.
Call the Juvenile Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today
If you or your child has been charged with a crime, it is critical that you speak to an experienced juvenile crimes attorney as soon as possible. Our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been successfully defending juvenile clients accused of crimes for over 40 years. Your case is too important to put in anyone else’s hands but ours.
With offices in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Tustin, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney near you no matter where you work or live.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.
