A Look at Common Juvenile Crimes
If you have a child who has been accused of a crime, you may need legal advice regarding juvenile law in Charles County. A skilled criminal defense attorney who specializes in juvenile law can help you and your family navigate the complicated criminal justice system. Here is a look at some of the most common crimes that are committed by juveniles.
Violent Crimes
When you think about what crimes would be considered violent, you probably only consider homicide, assault, and forcible rape. In fact, the criminal justice system also includes robbery, burglary, larceny, theft, auto theft, arson, vandalism, and weapons possession to be crimes that are violent in nature. Of all violent crimes, property crimes are the most commonly committed violent juvenile crimes. This includes burglary, larceny, theft, auto theft, and arson. Homicide and rape are the least common charges amongst violent juvenile crimes.
Drug and Alcohol Violations
Drug and alcohol violations include charges of driving under the influence (or driving while intoxicated), drunk and disorderly conduct, drug abuse, drug possession, intent to sell drugs, and liquor law violations. Among these crimes, juveniles are most often charged with drug abuse violations, including drug possession and intent to sell drugs, as well as drunk and disorderly conduct. Liquor law violations are the next most common juvenile charge, with the charge of driving under the influence being the least common, probably because many juveniles don’t have regular use of a vehicle.
Sexual Offenses
Sexual juvenile offenses include prostitution and commercialized vice, statutory rape, and any other sexual offense that isn’t considered to be forcible rape. Other juvenile sexual offenses may include child molestation, possession or dissemination of child pornography, exploitation, and indecent exposure. In 2012, law enforcement agencies only reported 800 juvenile arrests for the charge of prostitution and commercialized vice. In 2012, 12,400 juvenile arrests were recorded for charges of other sexual offenses, including statutory rape.
