Juvenile Offenses

A Separate System for Juveniles

Prosecutorial jurisdiction over juvenile issues

The jurisdiction of the juvenile court includes three categories of youths.

• Delinquents—youths who commit acts that would be defined as criminal for an adult, including misdemeanors and felonies.
• Status offenders—youths who commit acts that would not be defined as criminal if committed by an adult (for example, truancy, running away from home, and curfew violations).
• Dependent and neglected children—youths who are deprived and in need of support and supervision.