You should be aware that rates for juvenile offenses are falling in the United States. However, juveniles in Florida can still be accused of criminal activity. If you or someone close to you has been affected in this manner, you’ll want to know what to do next.
Juvenile crime patterns are different than those of adults
There are several different types of criminal activity that generally make up the bulk of juvenile crimes. These can include relatively minor offenses such as truancy or the breaking of curfews that may be imposed by the city or county. However, it is also true that some of the crimes committed by minors can be far more serious.
For example, juveniles tend to rank high when it comes to committing offenses related to drugs and alcohol. These can go hand in hand with disorderly conduct or more violent crimes. Juveniles are a high-risk group when it comes to crimes such as vandalism and breaking and entering. These offenses can quickly escalate into assault.
Avoiding teenage criminal charges
If you’re a parent, it’s important to talk to your children about juvenile crime. This will be one of the best methods of prevention that you can employ.
If your child does get accused of criminal activity, it’s important to know their rights. People often don’t know what to do when confronted with these types of situations, so it’s important to be aware of a juvenile’s options under the law. It may be possible to avoid a conviction by challenging the evidence. It may also be an option to enter a diversion program or otherwise negotiate for reduced charges.