The unfortunate truth is that even minors can commit serious and harmful crimes.
Young people are often involved in violent crimes, whether because of gang influence or other social pressures.
In fact, a report published by the Bureau of Justice Statistics posted that in criminal courts juveniles were almost three times as likely to be charged with violent felonies if brought to court.
This trend may be due to the shocking and harmful nature of these crimes.
In some states, there are several types of cases that can result in minors being placed in residential treatment facilities for extended periods of time.
The nature of the crime and the intention of the convicted minor has a great deal to do with how the case is adjudicated, but there are certain crimes that will most certainly be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
Many of these crimes are considered serious because of their intention, such as aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and aggravated child abuse.
Others are considered serious crimes because of the devastating results like arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder.
In fact, some states will allow a minor to be tried as an adult if the nature, severity, and the maturity of the convicted party are deemed to be significant.
The results of these trials can have a lasting impact on the life of a minor.
Especially if a violent crime committed by a minor is adjudicated as an adult case, the long-term affects can follow the person for their entire lives.
Because of the long-lasting and detrimental results of such a conviction, it is crucial that the court acts responsibly in these types of cases.
A thorough and competent defense is crucial in any violent crime case, and a conviction of a minor is no exception.
For more information on serious crimes committed by a minor, please visit the website of West Palm Beach juvenile defense lawyers at Klein & Associates.