No, juveniles do not face the same charges as adults. It is usually less severe than the charges imposed on adult defendants. Judges in the juvenile court determine sentences based on the circumstances of the case, the nature of the offense, the age of the juvenile, the child’s physical, psychological, social and developmental needs, the availability of rehabilitation options, the need to protect the community, and other relevant factors. Although juvenile courts may be sentenced to incarceration at a juvenile detention center, a variety of other options are available. Other alternative sentencing options are community service, fines or restitution, house arrest, sentencing to counseling or education programs, psychiatric commitment, or placement in an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program.
