Teenagers may land in legal trouble if they commit certain acts alone or with peers. Based on their age and the nature of their activities, some juvenile crimes are more common than others for minors in Texas and around the country.
Assault
Blame it on short tempers, raging hormones or some other factor, but assault is one of the most common crimes committed by teens. Teens often lack the ability to rationally think about what they’re doing in a high-pressure situation, which could lead to going overboard in a physical altercation. What starts off as a simple shove can turn into a violent outburst with legal consequences.
Larceny
Teens might steal small items. Whether it’s because they don’t have the money to buy something they want or they are simply chasing an adrenaline rush, petty larceny is a common crime among juvenile offenders.
Illegal purchases
Drinking and smoking are sometimes participated in by teenagers. A minor purchasing alcohol or tobacco for themselves or someone else is in violation of both state and federal law. This activity becomes even more problematic when the teen becomes addicted to the substances he or she purchases illegally. While not an uncommon issue, making illegal purchases is certainly a serious one.
Juvenile offenders are afforded the same constitutional rights as adults who need a defense lawyer. If your teen has gotten into legal trouble, you should contact an attorney who is familiar with your state’s juvenile legal system.