The Structure of the Juvenile Justice System

The juvenile justice system has a separate structure from the adult system.

In the juvenile justice system, criminal offenders under the age of 18 can be charged with the same crimes as adults, including felonies and misdemeanors. However, they can also be charged uniquely as juvenile offenders for crimes such as curfew violation.

Age Range

The issue of age for the juvenile justice system is different depending upon the state, but minors as young as 10 can be in the system and can enter or remain in the system until the age of 20.

Types

The types of juvenile offenders range from "informal probationers" and "status offenders," designated for those who commit minor offenses, to "criminal offenders" and "juveniles remanded to superior court," designated for juveniles who have committed more serious crimes and who may be tried as adults.

Crimes

The juvenile justice system processes offenders under the same classifications as adults. The categories are: felonies, which include murder, sex crimes, drug and violent crimes; misdemeanors, which include less serious crimes such as petty theft, and assault and battery; and infractions, which are typically vehicle related.

Function

The juvenile justice system is separate from the adult justice system, with its own court and incarceration facilities, and its own naming convention. The incarceration facilities are called "juvenile halls." The legal representatives are called "advocates" and the offenders are called "minors."

References

• Lawyer Shop: History of Juvenile Justice
• California Legislative Analyst's Office: Juvenile Crime in California