Little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems – Parents hear this line a lot as they are raising their kids, but you never really know what it means until your kids get older and start showing signs of hanging with the wrong crowd and exhibiting worrying behavior. Juvenile crime is definitely something parents start to worry about if their kids start to enter this phase.

If you are concerned that your child is going down the wrong path, it may be helpful to know what the most common crimes committed by juveniles are: the more you know what to watch out for, the better you can guard against your child engaging in these behaviors.

• Stealing – Whether it’s shoplifting from a store or taking something from out of someone’s wallet, theft is the most common crime that juveniles commit.
• Vandalism – Spray paint is easy to buy, and windows are easy to break. Kids often fail to understand that this is a crime, and the popularity of taking and sending out videos of defacing and damaging property has made vandalism an even bigger problem.
• Underage Drinking – It was probably true when you were a juvenile too, and you may even have engaged in underaged drinking yourself, but in an effort to protect kids and those around them from harm, law enforcement comes down much harder these days than in the past.
• Disorderly Conduct and Assault – Remember the old days when kids would challenge each other to a fight after school? These days the fights are happening in real time, and the people being challenged may even be teachers. Police are called frequently, especially if somebody is injured.
• Marijuana Possession – Marijuana use (as well as the use of other drugs) may not lead to an arrest, but if your child is found carrying a larger quantity of drugs then you are looking at the possibility of charges for possession, and possibly even of intent to distribute.

If your child comes home — or worse, you get a call from the police station — letting you know that they’ve been charged with a crime, you need to know where to turn. While it may be easier to wring your hands and long for the days of temper tantrums and crayons on the wall, you need to understand what action to take to best help your child. An experienced juvenile crime attorney is the best resource for your situation. Call our office today to set up an appointment to discuss your child’s case.