When it comes to the legal system, juveniles and adults are treated very differently. Between the sentencing and the setup of the court, every attorney needs to craft their approach to suit the unique needs of their client’s circumstances. The following guide highlights a few of the most distinguished differences between the two types of cases, so you can better prepare for your proceedings.

How Juvenile & Adult Cases Differ

1. Sentencing

The approach for sentencing is different between adults and juveniles. With teenagers and adolescents, the goal of their sentencing is to rehabilitate the individual and set them on the right path for adulthood. This may include sentencing them to rehab or a stay at a hospital. With adults, the goal with sentencing is to punish the individual for the crimes committed. Issuing a fine that has to be paid or time that needs to be served in jail are ways the court penalizes a guilty individual.  

2. Proceedings

In an adult court case, you can expect to be tried by a jury of your peers. In this circumstance, your attorney would need to convince the jury of your innocence. Conversely, in a juvenile case, you won’t have the right to a public trial. Instead, your attorney will plead your case to a judge, who will determine the outcome. Admitting to a criminal offense in juvenile court does not create a criminal conviction. It creates an adjudication of delinquency. Distinction is important, because later in life, if you are asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime, you can say no. Proceedings in juvenile court are confidential in nature and not available to the public.

3. Location

For adults, the location of the trial entirely depends on where the offense in question took place. All of the court proceedings will occur in the county in which the defendant was charged. For juveniles, this approach is a bit more relaxed. To make circumstances easier for the adolescent and their family, the court may take place in the defendant’s resident county, even if that’s not where the offense occurred. 

If you need an attorney to represent you in adult or juvenile court, The Law Office of Gregory G. St. John is here to assist. This knowledgeable lawyer has over 40 years of experience providing high-quality, effective legal representation to clients throughout Waterbury, CT. Give them a call today at (203) 759-0240 to schedule an initial consultation, and visit their website for more information on their firm.