Comparison between the juvenile justice system and the adult criminal system

How juvenile justice differs from adult criminal justice

The juvenile justice system for youth is different than the criminal system for adults:

• The juvenile justice system deals with children whose delinquent acts occur between the ages of 10-17.  Supervision of your child can continue until age 21.
• Hearings are held in separate juvenile courts that are presided over by a judge or hearing officer.
• The juvenile justice system is intended to focus on community protection, accountability, and competency development.
• There is no jury trial in juvenile court.
• The juvenile justice system is typically faster paced than the adult system.
• The juvenile probation officer will make recommendations to the Court, but the judge is the final decision maker.
• Most juvenile court record information is confidential.