Legal Definitions - youthful offender

Youthful Offender

A youthful offender is a young person who has committed a crime. They may not be tried in an adult court, but instead will be tried in a juvenile court. The youthful offender may take some responsibility for their actions and may not be sentenced as an adult criminal. In some states, like California, suspects under 18 years old cannot be tried in an adult court except for specific violent crimes, like murder, kidnapping with bodily harm, rape with force, etc. In these cases, their cases could be tried in an adult court. Youthful offenders may participate in correctional programs as a replacement or supplement to criminal punishment. Some programs created for youthful offenders are substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, or training to learn skills in specific fields.

Example 1: A 16-year-old boy was caught stealing from a store. He was taken to a juvenile court and was given community service and counseling instead of being sent to jail.

Example 2: A 17-year-old girl was arrested for assault. She was tried in a juvenile court and was given probation and anger management classes instead of being sentenced as an adult criminal.

These examples illustrate how youthful offenders may be given a chance to take responsibility for their actions and participate in correctional programs instead of being punished as adult criminals. This approach aims to help them learn from their mistakes and become productive members of society.