Common Juvenile Offenses That Happen When Students Return to School
Summer’s almost over, and students are heading back to school. While studies show that juvenile crime is at its peak in the summer months, when young people are out of school and have a lot of time on their hands, the school setting can also be fertile ground for misdeeds by young offenders. Let’s look at the common types of juvenile offenses committed during or at school.
Property Crimes—The Most Common Juvenile Offense
Studies consistently show that a significant majority of juvenile crimes, both in and out of schools, involve personal and real property. Experts cite a wide range of causes for such behavior, including peer pressure, family problems, lack of moral guidance or supervision, and poor performance in school. Among the common property crimes are the following:
- Vandalism—Vandalism crimes include damage to or destruction of school property, the property of other students, or items belonging to teachers and staff. These crimes can include defacing buildings with graffiti, breaking windows, destruction of athletic or playground equipment, and break-ins to restricted areas.
- Theft crimes—According to the National Institutes of Health, stealing is a fairly common behavior in teens and pre-teens. Theft may involve shoplifting from a school bookstore or cafeteria, as well as stealing personal items—such as phones, tablets, or books—from other students.
Physical Assault Also a Problem With Juveniles in School
A 2021 study found that two thirds of schools report a violent physical attack, and that almost as many reported some type of nonviolent confrontation on school premises. The offenses can run the gamut, from simple assault to aggravated battery and sexual assault. The victims are often other students but may also be teachers or other staff members. The 2021 study reported that four percent of schools experienced weapons-related attacks.
Drug Crimes Also Prevalent in Schools
Though drug crimes in schools have abated in recent years, statistics still show that nearly three of every four schools deal with incidents involving possession, sale, distribution, or use of controlled substances.
Potential Consequences for Offenses Committed at School
There are protections in place for juvenile offenders, with the hope and belief that they are young enough to improve their behavior and avoid further encounters with the law. A juvenile taken into custody may remain in the juvenile system, where the focus is on rehabilitation. If so, the juvenile may be ordered to detention or to participate in community service. A juvenile can, however, be tried as an adult. In fact, anyone over the age of 14 in Texas may potentially face the same penalties as an adult.
Contact the Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we have fought for the rights of criminal defendants across Texas for more than 40 years, handling the defense of all types of charges, including juvenile offenses. To learn how we can help protect your rights or the rights of your child in proceedings in the juvenile court system, contact us by e-mail or call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
