Protecting your children's rights when the authorities suspect they have participated in juvenile crimes begins during questioning. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the frontal lobes of a human being are the last areas of the brain to reach full maturity. As a result, youths are at risk of providing the authorities with a false confession when questioned under duress.
What happens when juveniles violate a probation order?
At one time, Massachusetts law had a harsh approach to matters surrounding juvenile crimes. Young residents in legal trouble could expect harsh penalties if a court deemed it necessary. In recent years, Massachusetts reformed its juvenile justice system and successfully found ways to keep these youths out of jail and headed toward a brighter future.
Does the state have diversion programs for juvenile offenders?
When teens face allegations involving juvenile crimes, most parents immediately become anxious about the outcome of the case. Depending upon the nature of the alleged crime, jail time may be one of many consequences if a conviction occurs.
Juvenile crimes: Fighting minor in possession charges
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:
