MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What happens if a juvenile is detained for a non-criminal offense?

1. They cannot be arrested

2. They can be released after a warning

3. They will require a guardian's presence

4. They must be processed as an adult

The correct answer is: They can be released after a warning

When a juvenile is detained for a non-criminal offense, they can often be released after a warning. This reflects the understanding that non-criminal behaviors, such as status offenses (like running away or truancy), do not warrant the same level of legal consequence as criminal offenses. The juvenile justice system aims to guide and rehabilitate rather than punish; therefore, releasing a juvenile after a warning helps to address the behavior without subjecting the youth to the more severe implications of an arrest or formal judicial processes. For instance, in many jurisdictions, law enforcement may choose to provide an informal resolution for non-criminal offenses, which can involve a simple warning to the juvenile and possibly their guardians about the behavior in question. This approach prioritizes the welfare and rehabilitation of the juvenile over punitive measures commonly associated with criminal activities.