Youth court laws divide misdeeds by juveniles into three categories. Criminal offenses are the most serious crimes which carry a penalty of life imprisonment or death, like murder or armed robbery. A juvenile over the age of 13 charged with such a crime stands trial as an adult in criminal court. Aside from the criminal offenses mentioned above, a delinquent act is an action by a juvenile that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult. A youth court judge hears the case, which is a civil proceeding, although he may choose to transfer the case to adult criminal court.
Youth court is closed to the public and held without a jury.
With status offenses and delinquent acts, the judge decides the appropriate action to correct the juvenile s behavior. If the youth is declared a delinquent, the judge may order the youth to a state-supported training school. The school superintendent determines when to release the youth, but it must occur before he or she turns 20. Youth court records are generally kept confidential, and the court can order records sealed when the juvenile reaches age 20 or when a case is set aside or dismissed. However, exceptions do exist when records can be opened.