As a previous post discussed, vandalism could result in serious criminal charges. While most youth view these acts as a prank or a minor offense, this criminal act could tremendously impact the life and future of a juvenile offender. Thus, it is important that a vandalism charge is not taken lightly. There are opportunities to…

While a crime might appear minor or simple, if it results in harms or damages, it is still a situation that could result in a criminal offense. With regards to juvenile crimes, many view these as annoyances rather than hard crimes. However, when juveniles continually commit these crimes, these offenses could carry with them harsh…

When a juvenile is charged with a crime in Virginia, the Juvenile Probation Department (also known as a court service unit) will be involved of the juvenile’s case from beginning to end. Therefore, it is helpful for juveniles charged with a crime to understand the role of the court service unit in their case. First,…

Juveniles in Virginia who are charged with criminal offenses must be aware of the possibility of the case being certified and transferred from juvenile court to circuit court and being tried as an adult. If the juvenile is 14 or older and has been accused of committing a felony, this could occur. With the certification…

For Virginia teens, driving is a new experience and rite of approaching adulthood. It is also a responsibility that requires the adherence of applicable laws to juveniles with accompanying penalties under the juvenile law system if they are violated. Juvenile delinquents can face numerous penalties such as license suspension or a curfew as to the…

There is a difference between the juvenile law system and the adult law system in Virginia and other states in the country. While many juvenile crimes might seem to be mischievous and not do any significant harm to anyone, there are times when a juvenile might face accusations of having committed certain acts that carry…

When a Virginia juvenile aged 14 or older is convicted of an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult, he or she can be committed to a juvenile correctional facility in certain circumstances. The juvenile can be committed if he or she committed the offense while on parole for an offense…

There are some common violations an underage person in Virginia might commit without realizing the conduct is against the law with the potential of long-term consequences. A teen might not realize, for example, that he or she is resisting arrest by not complying with a law enforcement officer when being arrested or detained. Under Virginia…

As Virginia teens mature, they will get into relationships or seek to get into relationships with others. Given their age and that there can be a frequent misunderstanding as to what is appropriate and legal when embarking on these relationships, there can be a blurring of the line as to what they can and cannot…

Teens in Virginia might occasionally get caught up in certain behaviors or be confronted with allegations that they did not believe were especially harmful nor against the law. One example is vandalizing property. The laws of the state make clear that the act of vandalizing public buildings and materials in libraries and schools is illegal…