For Oklahoma parents and juveniles, accusations of illegal behavior can be difficult. It is important to understand juvenile delinquency. This generally applies to people between the ages of 10 to 18 who have been accused of a legal violation.
Within the concept of juvenile delinquency, it is wise to provide adequate protection for children who are in the legal system. A minor who violates the law is not said to have committed a crime. Instead, it is called a delinquent act. There is no trial. There will be an adjudication after which a disposition and sentence is given.
There are two types of juvenile delinquent acts. First is an act that would be a crime if it had been committed by an adult. Certain crimes are so serious that the juvenile will be charged as an adult. The parents must pay court costs in these cases. The second is generally not a crime if it was committed by an adult and is called a “status” offense. This is an age-related crime such as possessing alcohol or being truant. While shoplifting and other relatively minor crimes can result in juvenile delinquency, there can be serious crimes like drug offenses, car theft and assault that can result in major challenges.
When a child is accused of criminal activity, it is imperative to think about the consequences. Perhaps intervention is needed, but harsh punishment is not. The child might be accused of something he or she did not do. Juveniles can be placed in detention and parents are advised to help their child with a strong legal defense. This is also true if Child Protective Services gets involved. Discussing the case with a law firm experienced in juvenile delinquency might be essential to deal with the allegations and charges.