Juvenile Delinquency: What Makes Teenager Commit a Crime?

When a minor commits a crime it is addressed differently in the court system. Special courts and judges are set up to handle juvenile delinquency cases.  This is done to protect minors from the harsh realities of adult court and punishment.

It is the belief of the legal system that minors who commit crimes are not fully aware of their actions.  He believes that the thought and decision-making process of a minor is not fully developed and the court wants to approach these cases in a different way. In many circumstances, a minor can overcome the crime that was committed and is guilt-free to lead an adult life.

It is only under special circumstances that the court will allow a minor to be tried as an adult because this arrangement prioritizes rehabilitation of minors rather than punishment.

Why juvenile commit crime? What are the Causes of Juvenile Delinquency?

Turning to criminal acts is often the result of other issues in the minor's life.  It is because of this that the court system tries to approach criminal acts with adults with fewer offenders.

Some of the most common reasons for turning minors into juvenile delinquency include:

1. School/Institution problems

School/Institution problems are one of the causes of juvenile delinquency. There are many reasons related to schooling that can lead a minor to criminal activity.  Truancy is one of the main reasons. When a child misses a lot of schools they do not receive the benefits of education or learn the discipline of attending school each day.

When a minor conflict occurs to a learner or parent who is not interested in ensuring that the child attends school regularly, that child may eventually end up in situations that lead to criminal activity. These issues can be approached and corrected and the child can move towards making life guilt-free.

2. Economic problems

Lack of food, clothes or a safe place to live can also lead to criminal activity.  Children will stop stealing when they are hungry.  If a minor is not in a position to fulfill their most basic needs, there is a high probability of committing several types of criminal activities.

3. Substance Abuse in home

When there is a home life in which substance abuse occurs inside the home, there is a high risk for criminal activity by minors in that household.  Crimes may be committed to achieving needs that are not being provided, or they may be committed to helping their caregivers support their habits.  When substance abuse occurs in a household, there is less guidance for minors as well.

When substance abuse occurs at home, minors are at a higher risk for substance abuse and are one of the causes of juvenile delinquency.  When a teen is using drugs or alcohol, there is a significantly higher risk for criminal activity.  This is for two reasons.  First, minors will commit crimes so that they can support their habit.  The second reason is that the decision-making process in the minor is manipulated and they can do things they have not really thought about.

It is very easy to influence someone to commit a crime when they are under the influence of a mind-altering substance because they do not have the thought process to make the right decision.

4. Physical Abuse

It is not uncommon for a child or adolescent to be physically abused when they are away from home.  It usually occurs in the form of more violent crimes against people or property.  Assassins of all types of vandalism are often associated with physical abuse at home.

5. Lack of Adult Interaction

Children are influenced by the people around them.  That is the natural order of things.  Encourage children who do not have adult influence in their lives to teach right from wrong, or simply have a presence in their lives, who are more affected by criminal activities.  An adult effect helps children make the right decisions in all situations.

6. Peer Pressure

People who may have a dramatic effect on minor associates choose what to do when away from home.  Peer pressure is a very real thing, and minors will often act in front of their "friends" so that they are accepted and part of a group and cause to be juvenile delinquency.

In more dangerous neighborhoods you may also see children acting out of fear of gang activity.  Minors make choices to protect themselves or to influence gang members for their own safety.  Peer influence and personal safety can lead to a life of crime for any minor.

Of course, there can be many other factors that can contribute to a small one that violates the law.  Because these circumstances may or may not be the deciding factors for breaking the law, the court system looks at the entire situation very carefully when reviewing a case involving a minor.

Why You Need The Right Criminal Attorney For Your Teenager?

The right type of legal representation is required in any criminal case involving a minor.  The parents or guardians of an accused minor should seek a criminal lawyer who has a dedicated department for juvenile offenses.  A lawyer who is familiar with the juvenile justice system will be able to provide the best representation for your child.

The juvenile justice system is different than the adult system.  The focus of the Courts is to rehabilitate and help the child bend his life.  However, the court should be made to understand the circumstances of the crime and the lives of the accused so that the best decision can be taken about the case.  A lawyer who works with accused minors on a regular basis understands these requirements and will be able to aggressively represent your child in court.