Juvenile Law

1. Juvenile Law

2. What is a Juvenile? • In North Carolina juveniles are considered people under the age of 18 years old, not married, not emancipated, or not in the armed services.

3. Goal of courts • Rehabilitate the offender

4. Two types of courts • Neglect – involving neglect or abuse by parents • Delinquency – children who commit crimes

5. Examples of Juvenile Crime • These are exclusive to juveniles and do not pertain to adults! • Running away from home • Playing hooky • Breaking local curfew ordinances

6. Two Options • Diversion – not court, other type of programs • Trial – different from adult trials • Judge makes the decision – no jury • Hearings are closed to the public • Juveniles are not fingerprinted or photographed

7. Possible Sentencing • Probation • Pay a fine • Pay money to the victim • Community service • Withhold drivers license • Group home • Detention facility (jail) • Training school

8. Rules for Juvenile Cases • Established by the case In Re Gault: (in re means in the matter of) • Parents and juveniles must be notified in writing of charges • Parents have the right to be present while juvenile is being questioned • Juveniles have all other rights granted to adults

9. If a juvenile is charged as an adult these protections do not apply.