Two Common Juvenile Offenses in CT

 Posted on October 13, 2023 in Juvenile Crimes

Children and young people can be charged with the same crimes as adults. If a minor has committed an offense, their case will be tried in juvenile court. A juvenile may be charged with a delinquent act or serious juvenile offense. Connecticut law defines 50 felonies as serious juvenile offenses

In Connecticut, a juvenile is considered to be between the ages of 10 to 17. Whether it be an adolescent, college student, or another young person, a Stamford criminal defense attorney is here to offer your child the legal representation that is needed.

The following are two common allegations against juveniles

Possession of Drugs

One of the most common juvenile offenses is the possession of drugs. According to CGS §21a-277, a person may not manufacture, distribute, sell, prescribe, or dispense any narcotic or hallucinogenic substance.

For a first-time offender, the minor may serve a maximum prison sentence of 15 years or potentially be fined $50,000 or both. A second-time offender may serve a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and potentially be fined $100,000 or both

Subsequent offenders may have to serve 30 years in prison and potentially pay a fine of $250,000

CGS § 21a-278 prohibits a person from manufacturing, distributing, selling, prescribing, dispensing, compounding, or transporting (i) one ounce or more of heroin or methadone, (ii) half-an-ounce or more of cocaine, or (iii) a substance containing five milligrams or more of LSD.

Larceny

Larceny can range in severity, from stealing a pack of gum at the store to hijacking someone’s car. Larceny is common amongst young people. So much so that in the first six months of 2023, there was a steep increase in the number of young people who were being arrested for auto theft in the Nutmeg State, with 604 minors being arrested

Larceny can be classified in different ways:

Larceny in the first degree (Class B Felony)

A person is guilty of larceny in the first degree when the stolen property is worth more than $20,000 or was obtained through extortion or defrauding the public community, resulting in losses of $2,000 or more.

The maximum penalties for a Class B felony conviction are a potential fine of $15,000 and a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

If a person steals a motor vehicle, the first offense is considered a Class E felony. A Class E felony is the least severe felony charge in Connecticut, with one to three years in jail. Subsequent offenses increase the severity of the charge, with the third offense being a Class B felony.

Larceny in the second degree (Class C Felony)

A person is guilty of larceny in the second degree when the value of the stolen property is greater than $10,000 or obtained by fraudulent means from someone 60 years of age or older who is disabled, blind, or has a person appointed to handle their finances.

A person convicted of a Class C felony may have to pay up to $10,000 in fines and spend anywhere from one to 10 years in jail

Larceny in the third degree (Class D Felony)

A person is guilty of larceny in the third degree when they steal a motor vehicle worth less than $10,000 or other property worth more than $2,000

A Class D felony carries up to $5,000 in fines and incarceration of one to five years

Larceny in the fourth degree (Class A misdemeanor)

This charge applies to property valued higher than $1,000.

A Class A misdemeanor can mean one year in prison and a potential fine of $4,000.

Larceny in the fifth degree (Class B misdemeanor)

This charge applies to property valued higher than $500.

A Class B misdemeanor can lead to six months in jail and a potential fine of $2,000.

Larceny in the sixth degree (Class C misdemeanor)

This charge applies to property that is worth $500 or less and can mean 90 days in jail and a potential fine of $500.

No matter the charge, you need the experience of a Fairfield County juvenile defense attorney to build the strongest defense for your child.

Contact a Stamford, CT, Juvenile Defense Attorney

Nobody wants their child to have a criminal record. Although it is possible to get a juvenile record expunged, you want to take all measures to prevent your child from going down that road. The best measure you can take is to consult an experienced Fairfield County, CT, juvenile defense attorney. Contact Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner today online or at 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation