Youthful Offender

Categories: Legal,

Someone under the age of 18 accused of a crime, who is processed through a juvenile court and juvenile detention or prison facilities instead of regular court, jail, and prison. Courts may have the latitude to try some young defendants as adults, particularly those who are repeat offenders, appear to be beyond rehabilitation, or are involved in major crimes like murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, rape, or aggravated assault. (See also: juvenile delinquent)