In juvenile law, the criminal process isn't like that of adults. Instead of being charged with a specific crime, juveniles are usually charged with being a delinquent or engaging in delinquent behavior. The case is brought before a juvenile court judge who sentences the delinquent. The objective is to rehabilitate the juvenile.
Juveniles have different rights than adults, too.
They don't have the right to a trial by jury. If a juvenile is accused of committing a very serious offense, such as murder or rape, the District Attorney, with the judge's permission, may decide to try the offender as an adult. The minimum age for a juvenile to be tried as an adult is differs from state to state, but can be as young as fourteen. Consult a juvenile defense lawyer in your area for more information regarding juvenile criminal process. Inc. All rights reserved.