Some juveniles end up in trouble with the law. It may happen because a minor is under a court order and violates it. If law enforcement suspects this is the case, the juvenile may become subject to a violation hearing. If you have a child caught up in this situation,...
Youth Court
Delinquency and jurisdiction transfer laws in Mississippi
Delinquency is behavior that would not be criminal if committed by an adult but is unlawful for minors. Generally speaking, Youth Court in Mississippi has jurisdiction over cases of juvenile delinquency. However, a transfer of jurisdiction can take place for offenses...
How can you help your teen stand up to peer pressure?
If your teenager finds him or herself in trouble with the law, you may start to wonder how you could prevent it from happening in the future. Did you do something wrong? Did you miss the signs? According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, your...
How can you facilitate your child’s reentrance to society?
Seeing your child deal with the repercussions of juvenile crime in Mississippi can surface difficult emotions. As a parent, you want your child to succeed and move away from behaviors that may result in negative consequences. Preparing your child to reenter society...
What actions may a youth court take against a delinquent child?
The juvenile justice system is quite different from the adult system. The initial move of the court in cases involving minors is rehabilitation over punishment. If your child is in the system, you may wonder what could happen when he or she goes to court. The judge...
What should you know before using a fake ID?
Buying a fake driver’s license or borrowing your friend’s license may seem fun. You can get into that club you have wanted to go to or buy alcohol for your upcoming party with friends. The fun may abruptly end, however, if law enforcement catches you. Understanding...
Mississippi courts hold fast on juvenile sentencing trend
Juveniles in Mississippi who commit serious crimes are finding themselves facing life in prison despite recommendations from the state Supreme Court. Despite the young age of these offenders, many courts in the state continue to hand down this harsh penalty. This...
When the authorities may take a juvenile into custody
Juvenile justice systems in every state treat youth offenders much differently from adults except regarding serious violent crimes. The DeSoto County Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over cases involving children under 18 years old who are delinquent, neglected, abused...
Youth court as an approach to juvenile delinquency
The youth court system in Mississippi is one new approach for first time and nonviolent teen offenders. According to the US National Gang Center, not only do youth courts repeatedly demonstrate lower recidivism rates compared to juvenile courts, but they also free up...
Do young adults belong in the juvenile justice system?
Distinguishing the age in which a minor officially becomes an adult is a tricky task. While most states in the U.S. consider the age of legal adulthood – the age of majority – 18 years old, in Mississippi, you’re not an adult in the eyes of the law until you turn 21....