Will My Child Be Sentenced to Juvenile Detention or Jail?

 Posted on May 10, 2021 in Juvenile Crimes

Most people make poor decisions in their youth, and Connecticut law reflects that these decisions should not necessarily follow a young person for the rest of his or her life. However, this does not mean that juvenile offenders are absolved of all responsibility for their offenses. Juveniles who are convicted of a crime can be sentenced to juvenile detention, and in some cases, may even be tried as an adult and sentenced to jail. If your child has been arrested and charged with a criminal offense, speak with a criminal defense lawyer with experience in juvenile law for help.   

Potential Consequences for Minors Who Are Accused of a Criminal Offense  

The State of Connecticut recognizes that minors accused of criminal offenses deserve a second chance. Therefore, penalties for juvenile offenses are typically focused more on rehabilitating the alleged offender rather than punishing him or her. That being said, the penalties your child may face depend largely on the type of offense he or she allegedly committed. Crimes like vandalism or petty theft are typically punished less severely than violent offenses like assault.

Connecticut Juvenile Detention

In many cases, a child who is arrested is released to his or her parents or guardians. The child is then expected to appear in juvenile court. However, some minors are held in juvenile detention until their arraignment. If your child is sentenced to juvenile detention, he or she may be held for up to 15 days. However, the detainment period may be greater if your child was accused of a “serious juvenile offense.”

Some Cases Are Transferred to Adult Court

There are a number of criminal offenses in Connecticut that have been designated as serious juvenile offenses. These offenses include assault, burglary, murder, home invasion, robbery, and several other crimes. If your child is fifteen years old or older and has been charged with a serious juvenile offense, his or her case may be transferred to adult criminal court. After a juvenile case is transferred to adult court, the court will determine whether the juvenile is classified as a “youthful offender.” Juveniles who qualify as youthful offenders face more lenient sentences than those who are tried and sentenced as adults. Minors who are tried as adults face the same criminal penalties as adult offenders.

Contact a Fairfield County Juvenile Defense Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner, we believe that young people deserve a second chance. We also believe in the concept of “innocent until proven guilty.” Experienced Stamford defense attorney Daniel P. Weiner knows Connecticut juvenile law and how to build a strong case on your child’s behalf. Call us at 203-348-5846 for a free, confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/rpt/2016-R-0283.htm