How long can a juvenile be in detention for a juvenile crime?

When a juvenile is determined by a judge or jury to have committed a juvenile crime, the length of their sentence depends on the severity of their offense. A juvenile who is determined to have committed what would be a felony in adult court can spend years in a secure detention facility. State and federal rules regarding the length of a juvenile sentence vary widely.

In certain cases juveniles are ordered by judges to have their case heard in adult court. States have their own rules about when a juvenile is automatically waived into adult court. If a juvenile is charged as an adult in criminal court, the length of their sentence is determined by state or federal criminal statutes for adults. A juvenile will be moved to a facility for adults when they reach a certain age determined by state or federal government rules. In some cases, older juveniles go directly to prison rather than first to a juvenile facility.

Juvenile Sentences

There is no typical juvenile sentence for someone who is found guilty of a juvenile crime. A juvenile sentence can range from several hours of community service to two weeks in a non-secure juvenile detention facility to years in a secure juvenile detention facility followed by years in a state or federal prison.

A non-secure juvenile detention facility may have stricter rules than the juvenile’s home, but less strict rules than a secure detention facility. An example of a non-secure juvenile detention facility is a group half-way house where a juvenile lives while they attend school. If a juvenile leaves a non-secure detention facility, they may be ordered to finish their juvenile sentence in a secure detention facility. If a juvenile is determined to have committed another juvenile crime while they are serving a sentence, the length of their stay in detention may be extended.

Alternatives to Juvenile Detention 

Alternatives to detention include a juvenile sentence of home detention, also known as house arrest; curfew; probation; community service; substance abuse treatment; and psychological counseling. A juvenile may also be placed in foster care or a hospital. A state or the federal government may require a juvenile’s parent or guardian to pay for the cost of the juvenile’s care or treatment.

An experienced juvenile attorney will be able to assist a juvenile offender by keeping them out of adult court, offering a defense in their trial, and making an argument for a reasonable juvenile sentence. Anyone charged with a juvenile crime should contact a juvenile attorney prior to trial.

Case Studies: Juvenile Sentencing for Juvenile Crimes

Case Study 1: Non-Secure Juvenile Detention Facility

Sarah, a 14-year-old, is found guilty of a juvenile crime and receives a sentence of two weeks in a non-secure juvenile detention facility. The facility provides a structured environment with less stringent rules compared to secure facilities, aiming to rehabilitate young offenders. Sarah’s case showcases a relatively short-term confinement as a response to her offense, allowing her the opportunity to learn from her actions and reintegrate into society with appropriate support and guidance.

Case Study 2: Secure Juvenile Detention Facility

John, a 16-year-old, commits a more serious juvenile offense and is sentenced to several years in a secure juvenile detention facility. In this highly structured and controlled environment, John will undergo intensive counseling, education, and behavior modification programs aimed at addressing the root causes of his actions and facilitating his rehabilitation. The extended duration of John’s sentence reflects the gravity of his offense and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and long-term intervention to promote his successful reintegration into society.

Case Study 3: Transfer to Adult Court

In this case, Mark, a 17-year-old, is charged as an adult for a serious juvenile crime and faces sentencing in adult court. The length of his sentence will be determined by state or federal criminal statutes for adults. This case study emphasizes the possibility of juveniles being transferred to adult court and facing adult sentencing.