How does the U.S. justice system deal with juvenile offenders?

The juvenile justice system in the United States is designed to handle cases involving minors who have committed crimes. The main goal of the system is to help young offenders rehabilitate and become productive members of society, rather than simply punishing them for their actions.

When a minor is arrested, they are taken into custody and processed through the juvenile justice system. The exact procedures can vary depending on the state and the severity of the crime, but in general, the process involves an initial hearing to determine whether the minor should be detained or released to their parents or guardians.

If the minor is detained, they may be placed in a juvenile detention center or a group home, where they will receive counseling, education, and other services to help them turn their lives around. They may also be required to perform community service, attend counseling sessions, or take part in other rehabilitation programs.

If the minor's case goes to court, they will have the right to a trial, where a judge or jury will determine whether they are guilty of the charges against them. If they are found guilty, they may be sentenced to probation, community service, or a period of time in a juvenile detention center. In some cases, they may even be tried as adults and face the same penalties as adult offenders.