Grading New Jersey Juvenile Crimes

Grading New Jersey Juvenile Crimes

New Jersey has a separate juvenile justice system for minors under 18 who commit crimes. The goals are rehabilitation and treatment, not just punishment. So how does New Jersey grade the severity of juvenile crimes? What defenses are available? And what are the implications for minors’ futures? This article will break it down.

The Juvenile Justice System

In New Jersey, juvenile cases go through family court, not criminal court. The focus is on the minor’s best interests. Judges have a lot of discretion on sentencing and try to avoid incarceration when possible.

But minors can still face serious consequences like probation, community service, restitution, counseling, or detention. And juveniles 14-17 charged with serious violent crimes may be tried as adults in criminal court. So it’s crucial to understand how New Jersey grades different juvenile offenses.

Grading Crimes – Delinquency vs. Juvenile Offenses

New Jersey divides juvenile crimes into two categories:

Delinquency

Delinquency refers to minor crimes like shoplifting, vandalism, underage drinking, simple assault, and disorderly conduct. These are considered acts of ‘juvenile delinquency’ and tried in family court. The penalties aim to teach accountability without derailing the minor’s future.

Juvenile Offenses

More serious violent crimes like robbery, aggravated assault, and sex offenses are labeled ‘juvenile offenses’ in New Jersey. They may be transferred to criminal court and face harsher punishment.

Factors Considered

When deciding how to grade a juvenile’s crime, judges consider:

• Minor’s age and maturity level
• Severity of offense
• Intent – was it impulsive or premeditated?
• Minor’s home environment
• Any disabilities like learning disorders or trauma
• Likelihood of rehabilitation

The goal is a balanced approach – hold minors accountable while giving them room to reform.

Common Juvenile Defenses

What defenses can help reduce a juvenile’s sentence? Common options include:

Lack of Capacity

Minors may argue they lacked the mental capacity to understand their actions were criminal. This can lead to diversion programs instead of an adjudication of delinquency.

Duress

If the minor acted under threat or coercion from others, this may constitute duress. For example, gang intimidation.

Self-Defense

If the minor’s actions protected themselves or others from harm, this may reduce or eliminate charges.

False Confession

Minors are highly suggestible. False confessions obtained through coercion may be thrown out.

Implications of a Juvenile Record

How does a delinquency adjudication impact a minor’s future? It depends:

• Records are sealed once the minor turns 18. But judges can order extended penalties.
• Colleges and employers may still access sealed records. It can hurt applications.
• A juvenile record makes it very hard to join the military. Most branches bar applicants with sealed records.
• Gun ownership is prohibited for those with juvenile felony offenses.
• Future juvenile offenses face escalating consequences due to ‘prior record’.

So while juvenile records are sealed, they can still create barriers. That’s why diversion programs and avoiding adjudication are ideal if possible. The stakes are high for a young person’s future.

Changes to Juvenile Justice Under Murphy

Governor Phil Murphy has enacted reforms to help juveniles stay out of detention when possible.

• Raising the minimum age for criminal prosecution from 7 to 12 years old.
• Restricting when minors can be detained before trial. Now only allowed for very serious crimes.
• Curbing fines and fees imposed on juveniles. Removing financial barriers to rehabilitation.
• Banning solitary confinement for disciplinary reasons in juvenile facilities.

These changes aim to reduce incarceration and recidivism. But some argue the reforms go too far, jeopardizing public safety. Where should New Jersey draw the line on juvenile justice? It’s a complex balancing act with young lives at stake.

Conclusion

New Jersey takes a nuanced approach to juvenile crimes – balancing accountability with compassion. Defense attorneys navigate complex factors like mental capacity, coercion, and false confessions to advocate for minors’ futures. And recent reforms try to curb excessive punishment. There are no easy answers when grading crimes committed by youth still developing judgment. But understanding the implications helps ensure proportionality and a chance at redemption.