Teens are bound to make mistakes. Everyone makes them, regardless of age. However, some mistakes have more severe consequences than others—some have criminal consequences. As parents, no one wants to see their child make the mistake of committing a crime, even if it is a minor crime. Therefore, it can be beneficial to understand the crimes most commonly committed by juveniles. Having a clear understanding of these common juvenile offenses can help you start a discussion with your teen on how best to prevent ending up in situations that may cause them to commit a crime.
When teens get accused of a crime, they can put their futures at risk. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we do not believe teens should be permanently marked for the rest of their lives because of a youthful mistake. Our award-winning juvenile defense lawyers can help you and your family find the best possible solutions for your situation, whether it is proving their innocence or reducing their penalties. Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. is here for you.
Understanding the Juvenile Justice System
The juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania is designed to handle cases involving minors who have committed crimes. Unlike the adult criminal justice system, which often focuses on punishment, the juvenile justice system prioritizes rehabilitation. The goal is to help young offenders learn from their mistakes and become productive members of society. This approach recognizes that minors have different needs and levels of maturity compared to adults, and it aims to provide the support and guidance necessary for their development.
Overview of the Juvenile Justice System
The juvenile justice system operates separately from the adult criminal justice system, with its own set of rules, procedures, and laws. This specialized system is tailored to address the unique needs of minors, taking into account their age, maturity level, and individual circumstances. The focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment, with the aim of helping juvenile offenders make positive changes in their lives. By providing a supportive environment, the system seeks to guide minors toward better decision-making and a brighter future.
Jurisdictional Boundaries
In Pennsylvania, the juvenile justice system has jurisdiction over minors between the ages of 10 and 17. However, in certain cases, children as young as 7 can be charged with a delinquent act. The upper age boundary for juvenile court jurisdiction is typically 17, but some states have extended this to 20. This means that while most cases involving minors are handled within the juvenile system, there are exceptions where younger children or older teens may also fall under its jurisdiction. Understanding these boundaries is crucial for recognizing how the system applies to different age groups.
5 Most Common Crimes Committed by Juvenile Offenders in Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Court
Juvenile court is devoted to handling cases where minors are accused of violating a criminal statute. However, unlike adult cases, juveniles are not formally charged with a crime. Instead, they are accused of committing a delinquent act, which can lead to juvenile charges. If a juvenile is proven to have committed a delinquent act, the court enters a delinquency adjudication (like an adult conviction) and orders a disposition (sentence) with the goal of rehabilitating the juvenile. Some of the cases juvenile courts handle the most include:
Larceny
Larceny (stealing) is one of the most common crimes committed by juveniles. Teens often start off small, and the crimes are likely to go unsuspected and unreported. However, as their confidence grows because they have not been caught, they may escalate until things get out of hand, and they end up getting caught.
A larceny charge can lead to a criminal record, which can hinder educational and employment opportunities and have long-term implications for a child’s future.
Illegal Purchases
It almost seems to be a rite of passage for teens to engage in some level of risky behavior or want to take part in activities even if they are too young. Underage drinking is a common example of such illegal purchases. Teens may try to purchase items like cigarettes or alcohol illegally.
Underage Drinking and Drug Crimes
Even though they are unable to drink legally, and drugs are illegal, teens will find ways to get access to them. They may face possession charges or be arrested for DUI. Some minor drug and alcohol-related offenses are classified as summary offenses.
Vandalism
Like many of these crimes, criminal mischief, which includes acts of vandalism, may not seem like a big deal to teens. What is the big fuss over sneaking a few drinks or adding some graffiti to a building? They may not understand why these “minor” crimes are wrong. This is why it is important to educate them on the consequences of these crimes and why they have consequences.
Assault
School fights can occur for a number of reasons, and, often, teens believe they are immune from assault charges because they are minors and it was a “school fight.” However, court systems take the physical harm of another seriously, regardless of age.
In cases of serious offenses like assault, juveniles may be tried in adult court, where the focus is on punishment rather than rehabilitation.
The Juvenile Court Process
The juvenile court process begins when a minor is arrested or referred to the juvenile court. From there, the case proceeds through several stages, including detention, adjudication, and disposition. Each stage is designed to assess the minor’s situation and determine the best course of action for their rehabilitation.
Arrest and Detention
When a minor is arrested, they may be taken to a juvenile detention center. However, they cannot be held in adult jail prior to a hearing unless they are charged as an adult. In Pennsylvania, juveniles can be held in adult jail prior to a hearing if they are charged with a serious crime, such as murder or aggravated assault. Once detained, the minor will have a hearing within 72 hours to determine whether they should be released or held in detention. The court considers factors such as the minor’s age, the severity of the offense, and their prior record.
If the minor is released, they may be placed on juvenile probation, which can include conditions such as community service, counseling, or electronic monitoring. If held in detention, they will stay in a juvenile detention facility until their case is resolved. The juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation, aiming to help minors become productive members of society. Programs like juvenile probation and summary probation provide supervision and support while allowing minors to remain in their homes.
In some cases, minors may be charged as adults and tried in adult criminal court, especially for serious crimes like murder or aggravated assault. Overall, the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania is designed to help minors learn from their mistakes and move forward positively, providing the necessary support and guidance for their development.
Contact a Skilled and Trusted Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer for Juvenile Probation Cases
Teens are eager to explore and understand themselves and their place in the world. Sometimes during that exploration, they may make a mistake that has serious consequences. They may not understand the full extent of their actions, but they can still be held legally responsible for them. In cases where the evidence against a juvenile is strong, a legal strategy might involve negotiating a plea bargain and agreeing to plead guilty to potentially receive reduced charges or a more lenient sentence.
With over 65 years of experience, the talented juvenile criminal defense lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., have worked with numerous families to help their children find the best possible solution for their cases. Teens are just getting their lives started, and our lawyers will fight to make sure they get to move forward without their childhood mistakes following them into adulthood. Contact our firm today by completing our contact form or calling (215) 822-7575.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
April 8, 2025
