When children get into trouble with the law and face common charges such as retail theft, parents often do not know what will happen next, or what rights their child has. They have a lot of questions and, if your child has recently been charged with a crime, it is likely that you have asked them, as well. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about the juvenile justice system in Illinois, and the answers to them.
What is the Age of a Juvenile?
In Illinois, anyone that is 17 years old or younger is considered a juvenile if they have been charged with a misdemeanor offense. This law was changed in January of 2010 to increase the age from 16 to 17. The age limit for juveniles is a topic the Illinois legislature continues to debate.
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