When juveniles are suspected to have been involved in illegal activity, their cases may be handled differently than if they were adults. However, the circumstances of juvenile crimes can weigh heavily on how the individuals involved are considered. In some cases, minors can be considered adults in the eyes of the criminal justice system. Therefore, parties may want to understand their legal situations.
Three juvenile individuals were recently taken into custody in New Jersey. It was reported that two 14-year-old boys and one 12-year-old boy had allegedly entered multiple vehicles and taken items. An individual purportedly witnessed the incident and detained the boys until authorities came to the scene. It was not mentioned whether the reported witness contacted authorities or if they were alerted in another manner.
Authorities apparently discovered items that were allegedly taken from at least three separate vehicles. Those items included a GPS, sunglasses and a change holder. It was reported that the vehicles were unlocked at the time of the alleged incident. Charges are currently pending against the three juveniles, and they were released from custody into the care of their guardians.
Juvenile crimes can have a lasting effect on a minor’s record if he or she is charged and convicted. Therefore, those accused parties may wish to better understand their predicament and how the New Jersey criminal justice system may handle the case. Gaining knowledge on related legal proceedings and examining the situation with their legal counsel may be steps to consider that could potentially benefit their circumstances.
Source: newjerseyhills.com, “Juveniles burglarize vehicles in Bernards Township“, June 26, 2015