As an adult in juvenile court there are five (5) levels of misdemeanor charges: misdemeanors of the first, second, third, and fourth degrees, as well as minor misdemeanors. However, unlike in adult court, all levels of misdemeanors carry with them the possible penalty of incarceration. In any delinquency matter, misdemeanors carry the maximum penalty of up to ninety (90) days in the juvenile detention center. However, they can also carry less restrictive sentences. Specifically, a jurist may choose to remove the child from the home, but place them in a less restrictive setting, commonly called Shelter Care. Shelter care facilities are similar to halfway houses or group homes. A jurist may also choose to place the child on probation, or community control sanctions, require community work service, court costs or restitution.
Practice Areas for Delinquency Matters