Juvenile crimes are a relatively common phenomenon. Young adults do not yet fully understand the world. Their brains are still developing, which makes it difficult for them to truly contemplate the long-term consequences of their choices.
Peer pressure or a lapse in impulse control can lead to a teenager making a criminal mistake that could forever change the course of their life. Parents and others concerned about the future of a young adult might need to educate themselves about juvenile crimes and their consequences.
The five types of crimes below are among the most common juvenile crimes prosecuted in Mississippi and elsewhere in the United States.
1. Larceny or theft
Shoplifting is often considered a teenage crime. While many adults also shoplift, teenagers tend to be impulsive thieves. The items they tried to take from retail establishments may not be worth much, but the charges they face after shoplifting could forever change the course of their lives. Minor theft offenses, including shoplifting, can lead to a teen’s arrest.
2. Minor in possession charges
It is illegal for people under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol. However, experimentation is common among teenagers. If police officers encounter underage young adults with alcohol in their possession or in an obvious state of alcohol intoxication, the juveniles could face criminal charges.
3. Drug offenses
Chemical experimentation in the teen years doesn’t end with alcohol. Many young adults also experiment with street drugs or even prescription medication. They might abuse prescription stimulants while preparing for exams or try recreational drugs at a party. Teenage drug crimes can lead to life-altering consequences for young adults.
4. Impaired driving
After teenagers try drugs or alcohol in a social environment, they may still want to make it home by curfew. As such, they may make the mistake of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Blood alcohol limits are much lower for underage drivers, and any detectable amount of any other mind-altering substance can be enough to warrant impaired driving charges against an underage motorist.
5. Assault
Sometimes, impulse control issues manifest as physical violence toward others. Teenagers may lose their calm during arguments with their peers or even with adults in their lives. Assault charges could follow any altercation that turns physical.
Parents of young adults accused of juvenile crimes may need to assist them in understanding the possible consequences and handling the matter effectively. With proper legal representation, juvenile offenders can learn from their mistakes or otherwise move forward from misunderstandings, avoid the worst consequences and move on to have a productive adult life.
