Potential Consequences for Utah Juvenile Offenders

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Consequences for juvenile offenders in Utah can vary from one district to another, but are fairly similar. Sometimes knowing what might happen if you behave a certain way may keep you from making that particular choice.

Photo: Steven Orr

Fines

The fines juvenile offenders are required to pay are generally set by the legislature and differ depending on the offense.

Written Assignments

Juvenile offenders may be required to write letters of apology or a report concerning their behavior.

Restitution

Restitution is a requirement to repay financial loss to a victim. If a child and/or his family can’t pay the money, the child may be able to work until he can repay the damages in full.

Counseling

This may be required for certain juvenile offenders who may benefit from specialized counseling services in regard to what led to their behavior.

Community Service

This consequence may be given to juvenile offenders so that they can work instead of pay fines. Community service may be a good opportunity for youth to return some of what was “taken” from the community.

Home Detention

In this situation, a juvenile is required to be with a parent/guardian at all times and may not have phone calls or visits with friends.

Detention

This type of detention requires juvenile offenders to be locked up in a formal youth detention center.

A Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney Can Help

It’s ultimately up to a juvenile judge to decide what consequences a youth will face. It is beneficial for any youth in the juvenile justice system to have an attorney to help make sure the child’s best interests are looked after.

Talk to a Utah juvenile defense attorney today if your child is struggling with legal problems. Getting him the help he needs now may make his—and your—life easier in the future.