[vc_empty_space height=”13vw”]It is only natural for parents to be worried about what their child does when they are not around. Unfortunately, when kids have violated the law, parents need to deal with the consequences. This induces stress and financial burden on the family, especially when the child is convicted.

If you are a parent, it would be wise to be familiar with some of the most common crimes committed by juveniles.

  • Petty Theft or Larceny

Juveniles are not capable of pulling off a major heist at their young age. They usually start out small by grabbing inexpensive items such as supplies or accessories from unsuspecting people. The definition of petty theft may differ in states.

However, the value of a stolen item from a petty theft in Florida us under $300. Not all people report these incidents because the items are usually not valuable, and so the young one usually gets away with it. As time goes by, they become more confident and start believing that they can get away with anything.

  • Vandalism

Drawing on bathroom walls or stalls may not seem like a big deal until someone gets caught. Vandalism is considered as an intentional act of destroying a person’s property. It may be classified as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the amount of damage and the intent of the offender. Gang-related vandalism has a bigger punishment than non-gang graffiti.

  • Alcohol and Drug Offense

Many kids commit this type of crime because taking drugs and alcohol is considered cool among their group. They go to great extents to gain access to these substances. Studies show that the use of these substances increases the chances of the teen interacting with the juvenile justice system for a longer period. Repeat offenders often have a hard time getting back to the right side of the justice system.

  • Assault

Children have a tendency to become too confident of their ability to circumvent the law. As a result, they don’t hesitate to hurt kids that are weaker than them. Some may bully their classmates at school and hit them whenever they have the chance to do so. Pushing people who are in their way may become a daily routine for them. Some may also hate people who disagree with them. It’s either they argue until the other party gives in or beat them up if they discontinue to stand their ground.

  • Disorderly conduct

Disorderly conduct is the general term used to describe unruly behavior that may be part of a minor offense. There are different types of conduct that are deemed to be “disorderly conduct.” This includes repeatedly swearing, fighting, unlawful protesting, and having violent outbursts.

Juvenile Offenders Face Different Types of Punishment

Incarceration may be ordered as a penalty. Some courts may be more lenient, depending on the nature of the crime. Your child may be fortunate enough to just be told to do community service, electric monitoring or just paying a fine.

If your child has been involved in a crime in Florida, it’s best to get an experienced criminal lawyer in Miami to handle your case. Piotrowski Law can help protect the rights of your child as your family deals with this challenging time.