Some families in New York may benefit from finding out more about the existing dynamics that are prevalent in the U.S. juvenile system. Over the last 16 years, U.S. incarceration rates for juveniles have dropped by about 50 percent. The result is that more minors have been sentenced to probation instead. Some public advocates claim that the transition toward doling out more probation and less time in juvenile hall has caused more problems for the youth in America.
For many juveniles, the introduction into the probation system only increases the likelihood that they will be a part of the correctional system later in life. Juveniles on probation have to deal with a litany of stipulations that are often far more subjective than those imposed against adults.
Some of the common requirements for juveniles on probation include maintaining good behavior, being on time for classes and obeying parents and guardians. A number of juveniles are also required to wear GPS devices for electronic monitoring. The parameters placed on these juveniles may be enough to cause issues associated with isolation and depression. Many individuals who begin as low-risk defenders eventually become high-risk offenders due to their involvement in the system.
People who have been accused or charged by police may benefit from consulting with a lawyer. Legal counsel may review the claims and help develop a strategy to refute the allegations. The accused may be able to obtain an acquittal or dismissal if lawyers can discredit the state’s case. Lawyers may focus on exploiting a critical error committed by the prosecution or gathering a preponderance of evidence to dismiss the claims.