8 Crimes That Can Send A Minor To Juvenile Hall
A juvenile detention center is a jail for minors. In Alabama, juvenile hall is run by the Alabama Department of Youth Services. No parent wants their child to end up in juvenile hall. Fortunately, the juvenile system is designed to rehabilitate and promote alternatives to incarceration. However, that doesn’t mean children are never sent to juvenile hall.
Unfortunately, there are many reasons that a child may be sent to juvie. Below, we have listed 8 of the most common crimes that result in minors going to jail.
1. Drug Crimes
Minors are commonly sent to juvenile halls for drug crimes. Usually, the crime is possession of an illegal drug, but some minors may be convicted of more serious drug crimes, like drug distribution. Many children who commit drug crimes have the option of participating in the Adolescent Substance Abuse Program. This program lasts at least three months and can be inpatient or outpatient. However, those who are ineligible or uncooperative may be sent to drug court or juvenile jail.
2. Theft Crimes
Many children are sent to juvenile hall after committing theft crimes. Theft crimes could include:
- Grand theft (over $2,500)
- Shoplifting
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Receiving stolen property
- Theft in the fourth degree ($500 or less)
If a child commits shoplifting or a minor theft, they are less likely to end up in juvenile hall than if they commit a serious theft crime or have a history of committing theft.
3. Juvenile Weapons Crimes
When a minor commits a crime with a weapon, especially a gun, it is taken very seriously. Kids who are adjudicated for gun crimes may be sent to Gun Court. Through Gun Court, the child will be sentenced either to juvenile hall or to complete a 30-day boot camp and then undergo a period of intensive supervised probation.
4. Assault
There are many types of assault in Alabama. A child could be adjudicated of either a misdemeanor or felony assault, depending on the facts of the case. If they are convicted, they may be sent to juvenile hall. This is especially common if the assault is severe and the victim has serious injuries.
5. Robbery
A child who commits a robbery may be tried as an adult or treated as a serious juvenile offender. If a child is tried as an adult, they could receive an adult criminal sentence and be transferred to adult jail from juvenile hall once they are 18. Suppose the child is classified as a serious juvenile offender. In that case, the court will reevaluate the juvenile hall sentence after one year and either extend commitment, release the child, or order an alternative treatment.
6. Underage DUI
Unfortunately, many minors are caught drinking and driving. Children and younger adults under the age of 21 may be convicted of an underage DUI if they have a .02% or higher blood alcohol level. A child may be sent to juvenile hall for an underage DUI, but if it is their first offense, it is less common. However, it is more likely when there is an accident or someone gets hurt.
7. Burglary
Burglary is a felony. Many juveniles are adjudicated delinquent for burglary after they enter a house intending to steal or commit another felony. This is the less serious form of burglary but is still a Class B felony. If the child causes an injury, has a deadly weapon, or threatens to use a deadly weapon, then it is a Class A felony. Like with robbery, a child could end up classified as a juvenile serious offender or in adult court.
8. Criminal Mischief
Criminal mischief is a vandalism crime. Unfortunately, children and teenagers frequently deface property and commit vandalism. There are varying degrees of criminal mischief, and criminal mischief in the first degree is the most serious. It is a class C felony. Criminal mischief in the first degree is intentionally damaging property exceeding $2,500 in value. If your child commits criminal mischief, they could wind up in juvenile hall.
Contact a Birmingham Juvenile Crimes Lawyer At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. Today
For more information, contact an experienced Birmingham juvenile crimes attorney at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. for a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients in Birmingham and all throughout Alabama.
Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.
2320 Arlington Ave S, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35205
(205) 930-9800