Possible Consequences for Utah Juveniles who Commit Crimes

When Utah juveniles commit crimes, they may be handled by the juvenile court in their district in a variety of ways. While a particular consequence may be sufficient for one child, another juvenile offender may be best served by an entirely different penalty.

Potential Consequences for Utah Juveniles

1. Fines—Fines can differ depending on the offense.
2. Written Assignments—A probation officer may give a child an assignment to write a letter of apology or some other type of report about his offense.
3. Restitution—If a victim of a juvenile’s actions suffers financial loss, it is up to the juvenile (and possibly his parents) to make that up to the victim. If a family can’t afford to pay a financial restitution out of their pockets, it might be possible for the juvenile in question to work until the restitution is resolved.
4. Counseling—May be requested to help address the behavior which led to the offense.
5. Community Service—Work hours can be given instead of fines; again, this depends a great deal on the offense.
6. Home Detention—An alternative to detention, the juvenile is required to be with a parent or guardian at all times. He isn’t usually allowed to make or receive phone calls or visits with friends.
7. Detention—This facility depends on the county/judicial district the teen lives within. This type of facility doesn’t allow for freedom to come and go at will, even with a parent.
8. GENESIS—Located at the Point of the Mountain in Draper, this is a place where kids can be sent if they are on formal probation and have large amounts of restitution of community service hourse to perform.
9. Youth Corrections Placement—There are several of these facilities located throughout the state. They can be community-based placements or Secure Care.

When Utah juveniles become part of the juvenile justice system, it’s important that they are represented by an experienced Utah juvenile defense attorney. Juvenile court cases can be as complicated as district court cases, so it makes sense that a youth have his own attorney who understands Utah law and how the system works.

Talk to a Utah juvenile defense attorney today if you have a child in legal trouble.