What is a Common Sentence for a Juvenile First Offender?

When juveniles are first in trouble or they’re charged for the first time, often unless it’s a very serious felony such as murder, armed robbery, or rape, unless it’s an extremely serious felony, a juvenile is normally going to be tried on probation. That court counselor wants to try to keep the juvenile in the home, perhaps put services in place so they can be successful. If the juvenile violates their probation by going out and committing a new criminal offense or a more serious offense, that’s normally when the court counselor’s going to be looking at out-of-home placement option, whether it be a group home or another treatment facility. If the juvenile continues to reoffend, potentially they would look at what we call a Youth Development Center, which is like a juvenile prison.