When a young person gets caught up in the criminal justice system, the results could have long-lasting consequences. Sometimes, a juvenile offender might end up in Texas criminal courtrooms repeatedly. Unless the young adult changes his or her behavior, prison may prove unavoidable. Some programs might even help keep some so-called juvenile delinquents from continuing down the path of a career criminal.
Curtailing juvenile offenses and criminal behavior
The 1977 documentary “Scared Straight” provided the public with a glimpse at juvenile awareness programs. These programs try to frighten young people by showing them what prison might be like. Unfortunately, some studies suggest that these programs don’t always discourage criminal behavior. The programs could even lead to the opposite effect, as attendees get into more trouble afterward.
Other options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, may prove beneficial. CBT may address the underlying issues that lead a young person to commit a crime. Hopefully, therapy may motivate the young one to stay away from criminal behavior.
When a young person commits a crime, probation might result, which is preferable to jail time. Intense probation supervision could help cut down on repeat offenses since monitoring behavior may force the young person down a better path.
The juvenile criminal justice system
Young persons charged with juvenile crimes may find themselves facing challenges in court. Some might face being charged as an adult, and others might struggle with false confessions procured by police misconduct.
Other issues in juvenile court could include probation violations and plea bargain arrangements. The court might also hear a defendant’s plea for lesser sentencing or leniency. What happens in court could depend on the specifics of the case.