The Severity of Juvenile Crimes Committed in New Jersey
Adults are not the only ones that commit crimes. Juveniles can commit crimes for different reasons and some may face the same or similar punishments as adults that have committed the same crimes. Certain factors are usually taken into consideration, including the age of the offender and the severity of the crime that has been committed. When a juvenile is facing the possibility of being charged with a serious crime, he or she should make sure to hire a criminal defense attorney for legal representation.
Stealing
Commonly referred to as larceny, juveniles are often accused of committing acts of theft where they are stealing belongings from another person or from an establishment, such as a department store or local grocery store. The value of these stolen items can vary. There may be times when acts of theft remain unreported simply because the victim does not know who stole from them. If a juvenile does not face any consequences the first time around, the juvenile may continue to steal.
Physical Assault
Juveniles are often going through a mixture of different emotions and some may act out on these emotions by physically assaulting another person. It is not uncommon for teenagers to get into fistfights with one another over feeling disrespected or because of a significant other. Teenagers tend to feel like they are in competition with one another and they may get into a physical altercation as a way to prove themselves.
Buying Items Illegally
In some cases, teenagers may become interested in smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or trying to purchase marijuana, which is illegal. Because they are legally underage to purchase such items – and because marijuana possession is illegal in NJ – teenagers may try to use a fake identification card or bring in somebody else to access this items. If a teenager is found in possession of drugs or alcohol, he or she can be arrested.
Some of the other types of crimes that are often committed by juveniles include sexual assault, crimes involving the use of drugs, and vandalism. When a juvenile commits a crime, he or she will likely still face some consequences, even if those consequences are not as severe as they would be for an adult offender. The goal is to help rehabilitate juveniles that may have had a rough upbringing or simply took a turn down the wrong path. There is a strong belief that rehabilitation is possible when juveniles receive the right support and assistance while taking courses and participating in community service projects. It is for that exact reason that juvenile offenders are often given a second chance.
Contact an Experienced Camden Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Juvenile Charges in New Jersey
Have you been charged with a juvenile crime in New Jersey? A criminal conviction can carry with it heavy fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspension! That is why it is imperative that you speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer about your case. The Law Office Jill R. Cohen represents clients charged with juvenile offenses in Westmont, Camden, Gloucester City, Brooklawn and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-754-5501 or fill out our confidential online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office located at 210 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township, NJ 08108.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
