One of the most common juvenile crimes youths in America face involves the use and/or possession of alcohol. All states have created laws defining the age at which it is legal to consume and possess alcoholic beverages. Here in Massachusetts, the following laws apply to all juveniles.
It is critical to act fast following a juvenile arrest
Youths under the age of 18 have not yet developed the skills necessary to navigate adult life. Unfortunately, this often means that juveniles run the risk of making poor decisions that could land them in legal trouble. In some cases, kids can get out of this trouble with nothing more than a firm (yet frightening) slap on the wrist. Other times, however, an arrest on juvenile crimes could lead to incarceration without a proper defense.
How are status offenses different from juvenile crimes?
An important part of the juvenile justice system involves preventing youths from continuing to engage in unlawful behaviors. This is important because early preventative actions deter teens from repeatedly getting into trouble with the law. Most parents in Massachusetts agree that protecting youths from convictions for juvenile crimes is critical in raising productive, law-abiding citizens.
Common offenses that could send your teen to court
As children grow into young adults, they often begin experimenting with what they perceive as grownup behaviors. Unfortunately, many of these activities are illegal both for children and for adults. While kids will certainly be kids, engaging in juvenile crimes can send them down a troubled path. Even worse, it is sometimes difficult for these youths to deviate from this path once they have been processed through the legal system.
Exposure to violence can make children commit crimes
When looking at why young people break the law, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not they were exposed to violence at an early age. If they were, researchers say that it makes them far more likely to engage in criminal activity as they grow up.
Teen and adult male facing armed robbery charges in Boston
A 17-year-old and an adult man from Boston have been accused of getting involved in an armed robbery, and both have been arrested. The older man is just 21 years of age.
3 telling facts about underage drinking
As a parent, you know that underage drinking happens. Movies about high school and college tend to glamorize it. However, does it happen as much as these fictionalized accounts imply? To understand it, here are three facts you need to know:
Why is peer pressure such a big problem for children?
Let's be honest: Peer pressure probably still impacts your life as an adult. However, it is nothing like the pressure you faced when you were a teen.
Questions to ask when choosing a juvenile defense attorney
If your juvenile child has been charged with a crime in Massachusetts, you need to act quickly to find an attorney. The longer you wait to find an attorney, the more likely it is that your child could face the penalties associated with the crime they were accused of committing. Today, we will look at the questions you should ask when choosing a juvenile defense attorney for your child.
Don't underestimate the severity of a juvenile charge
If your underage child is ever charged with a crime in Massachusetts, you need to take this situation seriously. The severity of a juvenile charge should never be underestimated. Your child is facing fines, jail time and even a record that could stick with him or her for quite a while. Let's take a look at the severity of a juvenile charge in today's post.
