What Kinds of Cases Are Heard In Juvenile Court?
Two distinct types of cases are heard in juvenile court: juvenile delinquency cases and juvenile status offenses. Juvenile delinquency cases involve crimes committed by minors who are under the age of 18. These crimes would be considered “adult offenses” if committed by adults, and can include murder, attempted murder, arson of an inhabited building, robbery with a weapon, and assault with a firearm. Juvenile status offenses are much less serious in nature, and can include truancy, running away, possessing alcohol or tobacco, and other conduct that is against the law when committed by children.
