Mississippi Laws for Theft Concerning Minors

Under Mississippi law, plea bargaining is not allowed in juvenile crime cases.

Mississippi's Youth Courts have exclusive jurisdiction in nearly all theft cases relating to delinquent children. Youth Courts retain jurisdiction in cases brought while a child is under age 18 until the juvenile reaches age 21, except felony prosecution of cases involving a minor age 17 or older.

Powers of Youth Courts

A judge in Youth Court may adjudicate the status of a juvenile who is alleged to be a delinquent child or a child "in need of supervision." If proof of a child's delinquency exists beyond a "reasonable doubt," a judge can adjudicate the juvenile as a delinquent child. The Youth Court may place the child in a juvenile detention facility or other program or facility after considering the best interests of the child.

Transfers of Jurisdiction

Mississippi Code Section 43-21-157 allows cases to be transferred from Youth Court to adult circuit courts after a bifurcated hearing. Stage one involves a determination whether there is probable cause to believe that a minor committed a criminal offense. Stage two involves a determination as to whether the child has reasonable prospects of rehabilitation through Youth Court.

Adjudication and Punishment

According to Mississippi Code Section 43-21-151(3), juveniles under age 13 cannot be held criminally responsible for any offense that has not been transferred to a circuit for the purpose of prosecuting the case as an adult. Parents of delinquent juveniles under age 13, however, can be held criminally responsible for the child's conduct.

References

• Mississippi Code: Section 43-21-555 Plea Bargaining Prohibited
• Mississippi Code: Section 43-21-151 Jurisdiction
• Mississippi Code: Section 43-21-157 Transfer of Jurisdiction
• Mississippi Code: Section 43-21-561 Adjudication of Status