What Is the Punishment for Juvenile Vehicle Theft?
Juvenile auto theft is a pervasive crime across the United States. State laws and policies regarding juvenile crime vary widely, however a juvenile convicted of auto theft can potentially face incarceration in a juvenile or adult prison facility.
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Probation or Other Alternatives to Incarceration
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In some cases, a juvenile that has committed the crime of auto theft may be placed on formal or informal probation. The decision to allow the juvenile the benefit of probation in lieu of incarceration is generally made based on the age of the juvenile and a lack of criminal history, as well as the belief that the juvenile can be reformed. Common requirements of probation include attending school, obeying curfew and reporting to a probation officer.
Incarceration or Home Detention
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For juvenile's that have received the benefit of probation in the past, or that the court feels will not benefit from the services of the probation department for this offense, they may be placed on home detention or incarcerated. Home detention limits a juvenile's ability to leave the house to school, church, medical and court related reasons as a rule. Incarceration can be at a county or state juvenile facility for a designated period of time or until the juvenile turns 18.
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Waiver to Adult Court
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In some cases, a juvenile that commits auto theft can be waived to adult court. State laws vary as to when, how and under what circumstances a juvenile can be waived. When a juvenile is waived to adult court they are prosecuted and tried as an adult. As such, a juvenile waived to adult court is sentenced as an adult, and may be sentenced to adult probation or incarcerated in an adult prison.
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