“In youth we learn;
In age we understand.”
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

One of the more difficult things to deal with as a parent is to have a child who seems prone to get in trouble with authority. Whether you are constantly getting called to the principal’s office when your kid is young or you are working through the difficulties of juvenile crime charges, the feelings are the same. Many parents feel hopeless and wonder to whom they should turn.

If your teenager has recently been caught breaking the law and you are preparing to walk them through juvenile hearings, you need an advocate who understands California juvenile law. The skilled counsel and breadth of juvenile crime experience attorney Wesley Schroeder brings to each case may be the help you are looking for.

Juvenile Crime Statistics

San Jose Juvenile Offenses lawyer And Santa Clara Juvenile Theft Attorney

According to a 2011 study, the Burns Institute For Juvenile Fairness & Equity says more than 61,000 young people were serving time for juvenile crimes. Seventy-five percent of those who were incarcerated are said to be there for non-violent crimes, per the same study.

Global Youth Justice reports the five most common juvenile offenses are theft, vandalism, alcohol offenses, disorderly conduct, and simple assault and battery charges.

#1 Most Common Juvenile Crime – Theft or Larceny

This could mean stealing personal property or other typical theft cases. Shoplifting is a common offense that falls under this category, as are some specific misdeeds such as stealing a bicycle or school backpacks.

Here in the top category of juvenile crimes we see a list of offenses that are somewhat less egregious than you might think. Let Wesley Schroeder help you pursue some creative alternatives to incarceration with your child’s case.

#2 Most Common Juvenile Crime – Vandalism

Vandalism could be as simple as throwing rocks through glass or doing criminal damage to expensive or historical property. Typical cases involve graffiti or tagging, while some of these vandalism cases stem from something as seemingly harmless as drawing or writing on the walls or stalls of public restrooms. Vengeful vandals may also be guilty of common offenses such as keying an automobile or slashing someone’s tires.

#3 Most Common Juvenile Crime – Alcohol Offenses

Many juvenile cases are called “status crimes” since the offenses would not be against the law if the person were of age. This is certainly true of juvenile alcohol offenses. Here are few of the familiar charges:

• Underage Consumption of Alcohol
• Underage Purchase of Alcohol
• Providing Alcohol to Other Underage Friends
• Underage Possession of Alcohol (Unopened Container)
• Underage Possession of Alcohol (Open Container)
• Possession Of Alcohol In An Automobile (Open Container)

#4 Most Common Juvenile Crime – Disorderly Conduct

Many of juvenile offenses in Disorderly Conduct category occur on school property. This could be the use of foul language with a teacher or school administrator, indecent exposure (flashing, mooning friends) or fighting in a public place.

#5 Most Common Juvenile Crime – Simple Assault or Battery

Bullying is a hot topic in public service campaigns and in school systems across California. Bullying may be a juvenile crime when the victim feels as if they are in imminent danger of real physical harm. Simple assault could also be pushing and shoving matches.

Some of the common punishments for juvenile crimes include:

• Community service
• Fines
• Restitution of property
• Required Victim Impact classes
• Probation
• Parole
• Juvenile hall
• Juvenile camp
• Juvenile ranch

An Advocate For Troubled Young People

Call (408) 277-0377 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with our firm and let us get started on your case today. Attorney Wesley Schroeder is ready to work expeditiously and discreetly to provide the highest quality representation.

If you and your child are going through the difficult time of dealing with charges of juvenile offenses, Wesley Schroeder may be able to help. We are well prepared to help you pursue the best possible outcome in your child’s case. We believe every case we take is as unique as each person we represent.