Juvenile Justice System

Are you a juvenile charged with a crime? Contact a criminal attorney or Juvenile defense attorney immediately.

The Juvenile Justice System has been around for around 200 years established in 1889. Before this time, children were recognized right along with adults and received the same punishment as an adult.

 

During the time in America’s history between 1880 and 1920, there were many immigrant children on the streets. These children often found food and shelter in the hands of criminals, which of course landed them in prison with more criminals. Lawmakers and others during this time realized these children were only learning more criminal ways and would not be beneficial and in fact was only teaching criminal ways. At this time, new courts and even facilities to hold children was created.

 

The new Juvenile Justice System utilized the English Bridewell institute that worked to teach trade and life skills with the hopes of educating the children that were incarcerated instead of furthering their criminal ways.

 

Today, juvenile courts have jurisdiction over various matters pertaining to children such as neglect, delinquency, adoption, running away, and more. In the majority of states, the courts have jurisdiction of children under the age of 17.

 

Every state in the US has juvenile courts that often use alternative programs over jail time if possible and according to the crime committed. In some cases, the juvenile will be refereed to recreational programs, educational programs, drug treatment, individual counseling, or family counseling, to name a few. It is important to talk with a criminal attorney to help avoid jail time.

 

All states do allow juveniles to be tried as adults according to the crime committed. The prosecutor often has the say whether the crime should be dealt with at a juvenile level or if charge should be fined in an adult court. Our local criminal lawyers and defense attorneys will help you with your rights.