While the adult criminal justice system is intended to punish criminals, the juvenile justice system is intended to assist juveniles rehabilitate. If a child is found guilty of a juvenile offense, they can be punished in one of two ways: imprisonment or non-incarceration. Continue reading to learn more about what they are. Then call (949) 585-9055 to schedule a free legal consultation with a criminal defense attorney at Law Office of Michael L. Fell.

Options for juvenile detention

If a minor is found guilty, the court may sentence him or her to prison. This does not, however, mean that they will be sent to jail or prison in the same way that an adult perpetrator would. For juvenile criminals, there are a variety of imprisonment alternatives available, including:

Confinement at home. The judge can order the kid to stay at home with very narrow exceptions, such as going to school, job, or therapy. This is known as house arrest.

Relocation to a new residence. The youngster may be ordered to reside in a group home, a foster home, or with a relative by the judge.

A juvenile detention center. The court may decide to commit the kid to a juvenile detention center, often known as juvenile hall. These are amenities that are only meant to be used for a brief period of time.

Probation. When a court sentences a minor to juvenile hall, he or she may be allowed to return home after a period of probation.

Secure facilities. While juvenile halls are meant for short-term stays, these institutions, sometimes known as camps, are built to accommodate stays of months or even years.

Adult prison or detention center. The court may decide to sentence a kid to an adult jail or prison.

A mixed sentence. If a juvenile is near to reaching the age of majority, the judge may sentence them to a juvenile facility until they reach the age of majority, at which point they must be moved to an adult facility.

Alternatives to incarceration for juvenile punishment

Many juvenile cases, especially those involving initial offenses, may not necessitate jail. The following are some examples of non-incarcerative punishments:

Verbal warning. The judge may simply issue a warning to the youngster, instructing him or her not to conduct the offence again.

Fine. The youngster may be required to pay a fine to either the state or the victim.

Counseling. This is a common part of the penalty for a range of offenses.

Volunteering in the community. The adolescent may be required to work a certain number of hours in the community.

Electronic surveillance. A wrist or ankle band that validates the juvenile's whereabouts can be used to do this.

Probation. The judge may order that the minor be supervised while on probation.

If you or your kid has been charged with a juvenile crime, whether it is a drug crime, a violent crime, a school crime, or something else completely, call Law Office of Michael L. Fell for a free legal consultation right now.