In the world of the law and how criminal defense works, one thing that people look to learn more about is the differences between juvenile and adult criminal courts. Many of the differences between the two can significantly affect how we at DuBois Law handle your defense in court. Juvenile courts, in comparison to an adult court, offer different rules, different procedures, and different goals for everyone involved. We work hand in hand with adult and juvenile cases, and with that in mind, we believe it's important to educate you on how they differ so that it makes everyone involved well prepared if you need our assistance with anything, answering questions, or being your lawyer.  

In this blog, we will explain the differences between juvenile and adult criminal courts and relate that to how the law works here in New York State.

Adult and Juvenile Court Differences

It goes without saying, but adult court systems and juvenile courts in the US are carried out with different goals, procedures, and outcomes in mind. The distinctions between the two that we will break down are important in New York State, where laws such as the “Raise the Age” legislation have reshaped how juveniles are processed through the courts. If you want to read more into the Raise the Age legislation, read through it on the NY Courts government website. There's a balance in the legal systems between a juvenile and adult court that leads to accountability and, particularly, a healthy amount of rehabilitation for a younger person.

The Purpose of Each Court

A fundamental difference between these courts all stems from why they exist in the first place. An adult criminal court is designed to determine guilt and impose punishment when a criminal act is committed. Sentences often include incarceration, fines, probation, or other penalties. Juvenile courts emphasize rehabilitation rather than punishment. The juvenile court focuses on helping young offenders correct their behavior. Most of the time, this can be done through proper supervision, a multitude of treatment programs, therapy, and other services. There's a philosophy that's reflected within each of these two courts, and you need to know what that is.

How A Case Starts in Each Court

How do cases begin in both? That's a big question to discuss for the next difference. In adult courts, it typically begins with a criminal complaint. It's a written document outlining specific facts that establish probable cause that a crime was committed and a suspect is likely culpable. If a person is found guilty, they receive a conviction and later a sentence. In a juvenile court, a petition is filed, and if the allegations are proven, the person is considered to be an “adjudicated delinquent” rather than convicted. Instead of sentencing, the court issues a disposition, which outlines the services or supervision required for the child. 

There's a procedural nature to how these two courts operate that should be noted. Adults generally have the right to a jury trial, while juveniles are tried by a judge alone. The judge acts as both the evidence form of research and the decision maker for the outcome of the case. This can make the process in juvenile courts faster and less formal than in adult courts. These two points are a very important distinction that you must learn!

The Confidentiality of a Case

Adult court proceedings are usually open to the public, and records of convictions can become permanent in an individual's criminal history. Juvenile court proceedings are more private. Juvenile records can be sealed, and a young person may avoid having a permanent record. For a juvenile, this policy is meant to protect them from future consequences that could affect their education, any employment opportunities, or their development into society.

The Penalties System of the Courts

This next part of the breakdown will dive deep into the differences that each court brings concerning the penal system of how each person is tried in court:

Adults who are convicted may face prison sentences or incarceration in state or federal prisons. Juveniles are placed in detention centers, treatment, or community-based supervision programs rather than any type of correctional facility that adults are placed in. Penalties for juveniles, depending on the crime committed, are shorter and focused on rehabilitation first and foremost, reflecting the motto that young offenders have a greater capacity to change their behavior over time instead of just outright punishing them with prison time.

How is this established in New York State? The law can change depending on whether someone is classified as a juvenile delinquent, juvenile offender, or adolescent offender. A juvenile delinquent in New York is someone between the ages of 12 and 18 who commits an act that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult. These cases would then be handled inside a family court instead of an adult court. Not all cases stay in a family court; some serious felonies may involve Youth Parts, which is another specialized court system.

More information is specified here on the New York courts government website. Juvenile delinquents do not receive criminal convictions and typically avoid adult incarceration. Read more here on the official New York State Senate website!

We know this information can be a lot to take in. How the law works can take a long time and a lot of energy to fully understand. That's why we are here! Our job is not to judge; it's merely to understand your case if you're someone who needs help with a defense case or just wants to learn more in general. If you're someone who needs help understanding the way it works here in New York State, read more on our Juvenile Crimes page, and feel free to reach out to us when you have the time. Our contact form is open, and we look forward to assisting you with what you need!

New York State Criminal Defense FAQ

What are the major differences between adult and juvenile criminal courts?

Overall, an adult court can differ from a juvenile criminal court in the purposes of what they represent, the procedures involved in how they begin, and the outcomes and penalties that each offers for the people on trial. Adult courts focus on punishment, while juvenile courts emphasize a sense of accountability and rehabilitation, and help offenders to become better. 

You'll also find that there is a difference in the confidentiality of each court and the terminology that people use for each. In New York State, legal reforms such as the Raise the Age law, as a good example, make sure that most individuals under the age of 18 are treated fairly for rehabilitation rather than a damaging lifelong criminal sentence. These distinctions reflect the legal system under which both juveniles and adults are treated, as well as when it comes to criminal responsibility.

DISCLAIMER: PAST RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. DANIEL DUBOIS AND ANY DUBOIS LAW ATTORNEYS ARE NOT YOUR ATTORNEYS UNLESS RETAINED. INFORMATION SHARED HERE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. EACH CASE IS UNIQUE AND IS DECIDED BASED ON ITS OWN FACTS AND MERITS AND CANNOT BE COMPARED TO OTHER CASES WHICH MAY HAVE HAD DIFFERENT FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES.