Wednesday 4 January 2017

Lenient Verbal Alternatives For Juveniles

By Melissa Evans


A juvenile crime is where the accused is below the age of majority. This age is 18 years in most states. The system of sentencing juvenile offenders is different from that used on adults. The intentions of sentencing are rehabilitation and education other than punishment. This is why there exist verbal alternatives for juveniles. The intention is to keep minors away from prison or incarceration facilities.

There are two major options for juvenile offenders. Judges choose incarceration where the offense committed is very serious. For lighter offenses, non-incarceration options are provided. They include confinement in juvenile halls. The offender stays for weeks or months under confinement. Such a minor may get parole or be placed under probation where behavior change is observed. House arrest is another option with the minor having the freedom to only attend work or school. Other options include camps or secure juvenile facilities where they stay for months or years due to serious crimes.

There are serious crimes where offenders are tried as adults. In this case, they will be sentenced to adult facilities. Judges opt to keep them away from adult jails until they hit majority age when they are transferred. Judges have the option of placement where the minor is withdrawn from the parents and handed over to group home or a court appointed guardian. This is in cases where the guardian or parent is bad influence or fails to cooperate with the rehabilitation system.

Juvenile punishment and rehabilitation system has options where offenders are not incarcerated. The programs are also regarded as diversionary programs since they ensure that minors avoid confinement. One option is getting a verbal warning. It is common where the offense committed is not too serious.

Juveniles may also be fined or made to pay for goods stolen or damaged. The fines may also go to the government. Community service is an option with a stipulated number of hours under supervision. To avoid disrupting normal activities for minors, community service is performed over weekends. Counseling is ordered in some cases and is accompanied by house arrest. There is an increased uptake of monitoring option through bracelets or anklets that the offenders are required to put on all the time.

The severity of a sentence is the prerogative of the judge. Though presidents exist in the justice system, surrounding circumstances may force the judge to issue a different sentence. As such, two minors may commit the same crime and be sentenced differently. Power and determination of sentences rests with the judge.

Criminal proceedings should be handled by a lawyer as much as possible. The defense must present a strong argument despite the fact that a minor is involved. The lawyer discusses the available options and should convince the guardians and parents to cooperate with the justice system in rehabilitating and educating the offender. Willingness to cooperate increases the chances of getting a more favorable sentence.

Judges may issue verbal warnings, but they must be adhered to with utmost seriousness. The probation officer, parents, guardians and offender must follow the warning to avoid overturning the judgment. Everyone must commit to follow the warning to avoid reversal.




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