Most Common Juvenile Crimes in Louisiana

Criminal charges against minors are sobering. The effects can reach far beyond the courtroom. Looking at the data is helpful in understanding what families face. The most common juvenile crimes in Louisiana can help us see how the courts usually respond to these charges.

Most Common Juvenile Crimes in Louisiana

Louisiana’s juvenile courts handle many types of cases. Here are some usual ones:

• Shoplifting: Many juveniles face charges for stealing from stores. Theft is a genuine concern. Juveniles can be offered a second chance. Diversion programs prevent jail time. The amount stolen can affect the charge.
• Drug possession: Marijuana is the drug most commonly involved in these charges. Harder drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine bring stricter penalties. Selling drugs often results in the minor being transferred to adult court. It is considered a worse offense.
• Assault and battery: School fights or even threats can lead to assault or battery charges. Minor physical fights can be classified as simple battery. More violent incidents or the use of weapons can lead to felony charges.
• Vandalism: Breaking windows or damaging property often falls into this category. It’s possible to receive counseling before detention. This is voided if the damage is considered severe. If the minor has prior offenses, it could also affect charges.
• Underage drinking: Possessing or consuming alcohol before the legal age can lead to misdemeanor charges. If drunk driving is involved, penalties increase sharply. Sometimes, community service applies to these types of charges.

Lawyers can protect juveniles. They might secure rehabilitation. Catastrophic offenses can lead to long-term consequences. Repeated behavior doesn’t look good.

How Are Juvenile Cases Handled?

Juvenile arrests are different. Police can release the minor to a parent or guardian after arrest. This might apply to a serious offense. They can require the juvenile to stay in a detention center.

After the initial hearing, the case moves into adjudication. This is like a trial in an adult court. Guilt is decided based on evidence. Alternatives like probation or counseling are favored. Grave offenses can lead to placement in a juvenile facility.

Long-Term Effects of a Juvenile Record

A juvenile record in Louisiana is challenging. The juvenile court focuses on treatment. However, many records remain visible to schools and employers. College admissions programs might ask about any criminal history. Some scholarships require a clean record. It can affect their financial stability.

Employment applications can present hurdles, too. Some jobs ask about criminal history. This includes offenses that happened while the applicant was a minor. A juvenile record can also affect licensing for some jobs.

Some juveniles qualify to have their records sealed. Louisiana law allows some records to be hidden from public view. To qualify, minors must usually meet certain conditions. This process does not happen automatically. A minor has to request it through a formal court process. Their attorney can, too.

Legal Defenses for Juveniles

Every juvenile charged with a crime can defend themselves. Defenses are different for every case. A defense can argue that the prosecution has the wrong person. This applies in cases regarding theft. Vandalism is another common category. Different cases might involve violence. Aggravated assault or battery is included. Other defenses might be a better option. A lawyer might show that the minor acted in self-defense.

Procedural defenses also exist. The police might violate a minor’s rights during arrest or questioning. If this happens, a court can throw out some or all of the evidence. Improper searches or not reading rights are common problems.

Another type of defense focuses on the minor’s intent. Many crimes require the state to prove that the minor acted with a guilty mind. It could have been an accident. A lawyer stresses this to reduce or drop charges.

The Importance of Legal Support

An attorney is an influential person to have. They help during the early stages of a case. They can spot legal issues and ask for evidence. Early action can help build a defense before the case gets too far.

A lawyer can speak for the juvenile during hearings. They might show an argument for a lighter penalty. Endorsing a minor at detention hearings is valuable. It might prevent them from being detained before trial.

There are other benefits after a case. A juvenile defense lawyer can guide a minor through expungement. This can make it easier for them to apply to college or jobs.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Common Juvenile Crimes in Louisiana?

A: One of the most common juvenile crimes in Louisiana is larceny-theft. In 2020, there were 249 arrests made for larceny theft per 100,000 minors aged 10-17. Other common crimes include simple battery and drug possession. Many of these crimes are charged as misdemeanors. Some offenses can bring felony charges.

Q: How Does Louisiana Law Treat Minors Charged With Theft?

A: Louisiana law treats minors charged with theft based on the value of the item stolen. If the value is small, the charge might stay in the juvenile system. Higher values can lead to felony charges. Minors accused of theft might qualify for alternative programs. Things like probation or diversion are available for those who have little or no criminal history.

Q: What Happens When a Juvenile Is Caught With Drugs in Louisiana?

A: When a juvenile is caught with drugs in Louisiana, the penalties change based on the drug. Simply having marijuana often results in a lighter penalty than possession of harder drugs. First-time offenders may qualify for drug counseling. This might not apply if the juvenile has a prior record. A large amount makes charges worse.

Q: Can a Juvenile Be Charged With Assault or Battery?

A: A juvenile can be charged with assault or battery. There were 133 arrests for every 100,000 minors in Louisiana for aggravated assault in 2020. Assault involves threatening someone with harm. Battery means actual physical contact. Many school fights between teenagers fall into this category. An experienced lawyer can help you if you have been charged with assault or battery.

Find a Way Forward

Some arrest rates for juvenile crimes are high. Louisiana tends to be higher than the national average. For example, there were almost three times as many weapons charges in Louisiana in 2020 as the national average. Schedule a consultation with Longman Jakuback. We make smart decisions after an arrest.